Phil Foden is currently representing England alongside three Newcastle United players.
It had only been two, but Tino Livramento has now been called up to the squad.
He joins Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope as Newcastle United’s England representatives, with the Three Lions set to face Greece and Finland in the Nations League. The Toon duo arrived at St George’s Park on Monday, with Gordon showing up with a bin bag once again.
It is another important England camp for Lee Carsley, who is looking to secure the job on a full-time basis. It is also an important camp for Foden, who missed the previous international break.
In the absence of Foden, Anthony Gordon was one of the standout performers.
The £40million man started both Nations League games in September, and proved why he should have played more at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate only used the 23-year-old once, with Gordon admitting that he was disappointed about barely featuring.
Now he is hoping to make himself an England regular, and has been praised by Foden ahead of Thursday night’s game against Greece.
Phil Foden describes Newcastle United superstar Anthony Gordon
In a video for the ITV Sport YouTube channel, Foden has been playing a game of guess who with Angel Gomes.
The duo took turns to describe their England teammates, but could not use their name, shirt number, club or position.
Midway through the game, Foden had to describe Gordon to Gomes.
“[He is] Very direct,” he said.
“Loves one-v-ones. Quite positive on the ball.”
Gomes’ first guess was Noni Madueke. The Chelsea winger is also in the England squad, and is a player who Toon fans followed closely during the summer transfer window. Newcastle were interested in Madueke, but he remained at Stamford Bridge.
In the eyes of the Lille midfielder, the description of Gordon could also be used for Madueke. That perhaps sums up why Eddie Howe was interested in bringing the Chelsea attacker to Tyneside.
Angel Gomes describes Nick Pope
Foden had to describe Gordon, while Gomes got the honour of talking about Nick Pope without using his name, club, number or position.
But while Foden used his opportunity to compliment Gordon, Gomes took a different approach when describing the Newcastle United goalkeeper.
“He has about nine cups of tea a day,” he said.
“Very tall. Probably the tallest in the team.”
It took a bit of time, but Foden eventually guessed that Gomes was talking about ‘Popey’. Seemingly our goalkeeper loves a brew!
The 32-year-old is back in the England squad under Carsley, having been involved during the previous international break. That was his first callup since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
His return to the international scene is a reflection of his performances for Newcastle, with Pope enjoying a spectacular start to the season. The Toon stopper probably does not get the credit that he deserves, with Ben Foster recently likening Pope to Erling Haaland in that respect.
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