Ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane gave a blunt response when asked if Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon should be one of England’s starting wingers.
The 24-year-old was the standout performer for the Three Lions’ Under-21s side as they lifted the UEFA European Under-21 Championships in 2023 – winning player of the tournament. He carried that form into last season with an impressive 23 goal contributions for the Magpies in 48 appearances in all competitions.
Gordon scored 11 goals and set up a further 10 for his Newcastle teammates as Eddie Howe’s side narrowly missed out on European football, last season. His rich vein of form saw him called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for EURO 2024 – with the Three Lions beaten by Spain in the final.
It was a frustrating summer for Gordon, who was given just one minute of action in the tournament, despite being one of the country’s most in form wingers heading into the tournament, as Southgate’s men struggled on the pitch.
Gordon himself has spoken at length about the summer being a difficult one, making it clear he felt he should have featured more.
“I won’t lie to you, it’s frustrating because I want to play, I think every player here does,” Gordon said after his only appearance of the tournament against Slovenia. “It’s difficult because we have so many good players.”
“Watching from the sideline at any game at any level is hard. You just want to come on the pitch because you feel you can make an impact, I felt like I did when I came on.
“Training is so good every day – and it’s just not clicking. Hopefully in the coming games it will because we need to start attacking teams and dominating games.”
The Newcastle winger enjoyed more minutes under interim manager, Lee Carsley, starting five of their six Nations League games and he scored in a 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
It’s fair to say Gordon hasn’t been at the same level he was last season, but he was included in Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural camp for the World Cup qualifiers. He picked up a nasty hip injury during their win over Albania, which ruled him out of the clash with Latvia last week.
It’s an area of the pitch which is up for grabs ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer, with Marcus Rashford flattering to deceive in both England fixtures. England selection has been a huge topic of debate following their recent break with the likes of Phil Foden and Rashford struggling to make an impact.
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville clashed on the Stick to Football podcast last week over Foden’s inclusion in the starting XI and the debate continued this week, although branched off on to other positions.
“Who would your wingers be for England, if you had to pick now?” Jill Scott asks on the latest episode of Stick to Football. “Gordon, or not?”
“Listen, Gordon has lots to do,” Keane bluntly responded. “Don’t be hanging your hat on him yet!” Gordon might have ‘lots to do’ – at least according to Keane – but he’s not the only England forward who fits into that bracket.
