A number of Newcastle United players got overlooked in the most recent England squad.
Despite a largely excellent run of form since the last international break, some key Newcastle stars did not get a look in under Gareth Southgate.
Kieran Trippier was called up to little surprise, while Callum Wilson’s inclusion was slightly more surprising given his recent injury.
Still, some of their teammates may have counted themselves unlucky.
Sean Longstaff, after all, has been talked up for an England midfield role after all of his excellence and Nick Pope’s omission continues.
Then there’s Anthony Gordon.
There was talk the £40m star would be in line for his first call-up but he was not included.
Southgate, however, did mention him.
Anthony Gordon: What Gareth Southgate has said about Newcastle star
Speaking at St George’s Park after naming his squad, Southgate namechecked Gordon.
“You look at Jarrod Bowen has got seven goals this season already,” he said (via The Chronicle).
“Anthony Gordon is playing very well at Newcastle. Cole Palmer is starting to play well. It’s just a changing landscape there.”
Anthony Gordon: England’s loss is Newcastle’s gain
With four goals and two assists in nine Premier League starts this season, Gordon can surely feel hard done by. The likes of Marcus Rashford, after all, cannot match those numbers.
However, from a purely Newcastle-centric point of view, it’s good to have Gordon resting up. Such a key player under Eddie Howe these days, they could do with wrapping him up in cotton wool given all the other injury problems the club are dealing with.
With a huge game against Chelsea up after the international break before a trip to PSG, it’s great to have him recharge.
At some point, Gordon will surely need to be given a chance at international level. For now, however, it’s best he stays on Tyneside.
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