While the rest of the Newcastle United squad enjoy a well deserved break ahead of next season, the hard work does not stop for Anthony Gordon.
The majority of Eddie Howe‘s team are away resting after an incredibly successful campaign, but it is a campaign that is not over for the Newcastle winger.
Gordon is in Romania with the England youth side, competing in the Under-21 European Championship. The tournament also includes Sandro Tonali, who is representing Italy ahead of his move to Tyneside.
The midfielder has two assists from two games, while Gordon is also impressing.
He got an assist and had a goal narrowly ruled out for offside in England’s opening game, and now he has got on the scoresheet in game two. Gordon scored England’s first goal of the game in a 2-0 win over Israel, ensuring that Lee Carsley’s side advance to the next round of the competition.
It was a lovely header by the 22-year-old, who is being asked to play through the middle rather than out wide. It is paying dividends, as Gordon enjoys a sensational resurgence at the end of a difficult season – which he admitted himself.
But he ended the Premier League season in style with his first ever goal for Newcastle, and now he has taken that form to the international stage.
Anthony Gordon celebrates after England goal
After scoring against Israel, Gordon has taken to Instagram to deliver a message to supporters. He posted a picture of him celebrating with Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White, who provided the assist for his goal.
Alongside the photos, Gordon wrote: “Top of the group & into the Quarters!”
The post prompted a reply from one of England’s senior players: West Ham captain Declan Rice.
In response to Gordon’s picture, he replied: “Come on the boysssss.”
There were also replies from Newcastle teammate Harrison Ashby and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.
It is interesting to see Rice reply, just weeks after he was linked with a move to St James’ Park. It was reported that Toon officials wanted to hold talks with the 24-year-old, but a move to Tyneside is not on the horizon. He is simply too expensive.
That means Rice and Gordon won’t be playing together anytime soon. Although that might change if the Toon winger can keep up this form and force his way into the England senior setup.
The belief is that Gordon can really kick on next season, with Newcastle expecting him to play a much more important role. If he can carry on this form then that certainly looks like it could be the case.
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