There was one English winger who excelled during Newcastle United vs Manchester United on Saturday night, and it was not Marcus Rashford.
Instead, it was Anthony Gordon who hogged the headlines after his match-winning goal to give Newcastle all three points.
It was the least the Magpies deserved, having dominated Erik ten Hag’s side in every department. They were lucky it was only one.
Gordon was absolutely spectacular, taking his tally to six goals this season. It is not even Christmas and it is the best campaign of his career.
His latest performances have led to increased calls for him to be in the England squad, and they got even louder when you compared him to the efforts of Rashford at St James’ Park.
The Man United forward was appalling on Saturday night, looking disinterested and then disillusioned when he was substituted.
Garth Crooks blown away by Anthony Gordon vs Man United
Gordon was miles better than Rashford, which is why BBC pundit Garth Crooks has included the Toon winger in his Premier League team of the week.
“Gordon has now scored in four Premier League home games, and the way he is playing I’ve no doubt there are more to come,” he wrote.
“His performances for Newcastle recently beg the question, why hasn’t he been considered for England?
“The difference between Gordon and Marcus Rashford on Saturday night was like chalk and cheese. One player was clearly enjoying his game and the other wasn’t.
“I have been a huge admirer of Rashford, even when he was having a difficult time under Jose Mourinho, but his performance at St James’ Park was concerning. It’s time Rashford stopped sulking and produced the passion and desire a team like Manchester United deserve.”
Newcastle winger is miles ahead of Marcus Rashford right now
When you compared the two on Saturday night, it is clear which one should be in the England squad. Gordon is on an upwards trajectory, and keeps getting better and better. That should delight Gareth Southgate, who will need players with momentum when Euro 2024 arrives next summer.
It was a stark contrast to Rashford, who was irresistible last season. It just shows what a difference 12 months can make, as Gordon looked to be in a similar rut this time last year.
As Crooks says, it is clear that Gordon is enjoying his football. The 22-year-old has become a much better player under Eddie Howe, and it has led to him becoming one of Newcastle’s most decisive players in the final third.
International recognition will come his way in 2024, while it is unclear what the future holds for Marcus Rashford – although that is not something that Newcastle United fans need to worry about.
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