The Magpies winger is now first choice for England after a series of strong performances
Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has fought off the challenge of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham to establish himself as England’s first choice left winger, according to former Magpies forward Andros Townsend.
The United star started the last five games for the Three Lions under interim manager Lee Carsley, scoring his first goal for his country in the 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last Sunday. It’s a far cry from last summer’s European Championships which saw Gordon largely left on the bench by former manager Gareth Southgate.
After handing him his debut last March, Southgate took Gordon to EURO24 but after featuring heavily in the warm-up games, he was then snubbed during the tournament itself. England experimented with several different left-wing options, with the likes of Manchester City hotshot Foden and Real Madrid star Bellingham used on the flank.
However, Carsley, who has overseen England’s Nations League success ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, has handed Gordon regular starting spots, with the Newcastle star taking the opportunity with both hands. His form over the autumn international should have cemented his place in the side when Tuchel takes control, says Townsend, who knows all about playing on the wings for Newcastle, having scored four goals in 13 appearances for the Magpies in 2016.
“There’s no ‘can we put Jude Bellingham there? Can we put Phil Foden there?’ Anthony Gordon has the shirt at the moment so if Bellingham and Foden want to play, it has got to be in the No 10.
Gordon’s main focus will now be Newcastle United, of course, with the winger rejoining the squad along with England team-mates Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento ahead of Monday night’s game with West Ham at St James’ Park. England are not back in action until 2025 when Tuchel will take charge of his first game in March.
