Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon is ‘close’ to getting an England callup.
The 22-year-old has been in fine form this season, and it was reported that a first-ever England callup from Gareth Southgate was coming his way.
However, that did not happen. Anthony Gordon was snubbed, in a decision that probably delighted Eddie Howe in private given Newcastle’s injury woes.
Gordon has instead been enjoying some time off, while fans wonder what he needs to do to receive international recognition. The former Everton man has started the campaign brilliantly, scoring four goals and providing two assists, as well as winning two penalties.
There has since been talk that Gordon could instead play for Scotland at international level. However, that is seemingly not something that is on his radar.
And nor does Martin Keown think it should be, as the pundit is confident that Gordon will eventually get his chance to play for the Three Lions.
Martin Keown is really impressed with Anthony Gordon
Keown has been speaking to TalkSPORT about Anthony Gordon. He praised the attacker, and believes he will play for England in the future.
“I do see great signs with him,” he said.
“His work rate is phenomenal on the left-hand side. The job Eddie is doing with him, improving him. But It’s only really one season. This is his first proper season.”
Keown added: “This is the first real season where Anthony Gordon has really caught the eye. He’s knuckling down, he’s putting the hard miles in. He works very hard for his team. [He needs] A little bit more quality in front of goal. He was the player of the tournament at the Euros in the summer. We want that continuity to go from the Under-21s to the full team. But there’s a pecking order right now. But he’s close.”
Newcastle winger will eventually get his chance with England
Having done so well for the England Under-21s in the summer, it has been a surprise to see Gordon miss out on getting a chance with the senior squad.
But he is obviously on Gareth Southgate’s radar, and just has to keep impressing at club level. That is all Newcastle fans should care about.
Hopefully Gordon can do that, as the Magpies are going to be very reliant on him in the coming weeks. His versatility could be required, with Newcastle currently boasting zero fit strikers. That should change with Alexander Isak due back to face Chelsea, but Gordon might be required to play through the middle again given the amount of games we have coming up.
It is going to be difficult, but Gordon should still believe he can force his way into the England squad for Euro 2024 next summer. Hopefully he does, as that will mean he has been in spectacular form in black and white.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
