Newcastle United have not hit the heights expected of them so far this season.
Eddie Howe’s side have been worryingly inconsistent in the Premier League, as they struggle to adapt to life without Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United are still suffering the effects of Isak’s departure, while a lot of their summer signings are yet to truly deliver.
Sound logic or stubbornness from Eddie Howe here?
He was NOT happy with the idea that Newcastle faced an ‘onslaught’ against Burnley!
On top of that, some of the Magpies’ best players are not performing at a high enough level. While Bruno Guimaraes has been outstanding, some of his teammates have been below par.
That is certainly true of Anthony Gordon, who has been criticised by Premier League and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Jamie Carragher criticises Anthony Gordon’s form
Carragher has taken aim at Gordon in a column for the Telegraph, as he previews England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup later this year.
The ex-defender thinks that the Three Lions can go as far as the semi-finals, but does not expect Gordon to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI.
Instead, Carragher thinks Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers should start on the left of attack.
“On current form, Morgan Rogers has to play, and Unai Emery might be showing a way ahead for England,” he wrote.
“Rogers often plays from the left for Aston Villa and this has been a problem area for England.
“Anthony Gordon, a favourite of Tuchel, is having a poor season for Newcastle.”
On current form, Rogers absolutely should start for England. As for the Newcastle United winger, he needs to raise his game to earn a place in Tuchel’s starting XI.
In terms of goal contributions this season, Rogers and Gordon are actually pretty close. The former has 12 in total compared to Gordon’s 11. However, that must be caveated by Gordon scoring five penalties.
The XI we think Eddie Howe will name against Crystal Palace – what changes would you make? ⚫⚪
DISCLAIMER: I’m not saying he SHOULD name this XI….
Anthony Gordon must step up for Newcastle United as huge 2026 begins
As Carragher says, Gordon is one of Tuchel’s favourites, and will still fancy his chances of starting for England at the World Cup.
However, that will not happen unless the 24-year-old finds some consistency. He has been frustrating to watch this season, with his hot and cold displays summing up the Magpies’ campaign.
If Gordon can regularly play like he did against Chelsea recently then he absolutely should start for England. That must be his motivation after a challenging first half of the 2025/26 campaign.
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