GORDON’S GONE FROM SUB TO SUBLIME
Howe backs Toon goal star for England call-up after his stunning turnaround
CHELSEA
NEWCASTLE
BY SIMON BIRD
ANTHONY GORDON has been backed for an England call-up after going from substitution row to Newcastle’s leading striker.
The ex-everton winger is hoping for a call-up from Gareth Southgate when the squad is announced for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium next Thursday.
Gordon has lifted himself into contention with 10 goals and five assists for Eddie Howe this season, and Southgate (top right) was also impressed by his leadership in helping the Under21s to Euros victory last summer.
A year ago Gordon had a strop when substituted by boss Howe (top left) at Brentford, but he knuckled down and is arguably the club’s player of the season.
Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier is out of the next two games with a calf injury and not available for England.
But Howe said of Gordon, 23: “His form this season has been consistent and I think that is what Gareth will be looking for, consistent performances above a certain level.
“He will be looking for goals and assists from his wingers, and he’s delivered that as well.
“I think he’s in a really good place. I would say to him, don’t focus on England, focus on your club form. Keep doing the right things with us and everything else will take care of itself.
“He’s kept looking at the shortterm and is very motivated to play every minute of every game, which I love about him. His career is in a good place.
“I will let Gareth know everything about Anthony and all my players who could represent
England.”
Asked about the
Brentford flareup and Gordon’s progress since, Howe said: “It was blown out of all proportion, really.
“That was the positive side of Anthony
– his desire to do well is so big and to grab every opportunity, that he was disappointed to be coming off, even though there was just a few seconds to go.
“There was no issue. It was his youthful desire to do well. And it is that desire which has propelled him forward, plus his confidence in his own ability.”
Gordon was hassled by Everton fans in his car leaving the ground before moving to Newcastle and Howe added: “He has definitely matured. For someone so young, he has had so many experiences. And those are not always positive.
“His experience at Everton will definitely have strengthened him. That was difficult for him.
“He has left Liverpool and that is a big thing for someone so young. He has just had a baby, and anyone who goes through that experience as a young man knows what effect that can have on your life and psychology.
“He has some really good things in his life which keep him stable, motivated to do well and, fingers crossed, he can continue his form.”
Howe says he is planning for Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall to be at St James’ Park long-term. But he hasn’t quite triggered a clause to make the deal a £28million permanent one.