Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown feels Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United is ‘near’ to being called up to the England squad.
The 22-year-old has been in excellent form this season, and it was reported that he would receive his first England call-up from Gareth Southgate.
That, however, did not occur. Anthony Gordon was passed over, which no doubt pleased Eddie Howe in private considering Newcastle’s injury issues.
Gordon has instead taken some time off, leaving admirers to question what he needs to do to gain international attention. The former Everton man has had a fantastic start to the season, scoring four goals, providing two assists, and earning two penalties.
Gordon has since been mentioned as a possible international player for Scotland. That, however, does not appear to be on his radar.
And Martin Keown does not believe it should be, as the analyst believes Gordon will eventually get his chance to play for the Three Lions.
Martin Keown is really impressed with Anthony Gordon
Keown spoke with TalkSPORT on Anthony Gordon. He lauded the attacker and believes he may one day play for England.
“I do see great signs with him,” he stated.
“On the left side, his work rate is phenomenal.” Eddie’s work with him to help him improve. But there is only one season. “This is his first full 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
Gordon’s absence from the senior squad has come as a surprise after performing admirably for the England Under-21s this summer.
But he’s clearly on Gareth Southgate’s radar, and all he needs to do now is keep impressing at club level. That is all Newcastle fans should be concerned with.
Gordon should be able to do so, given the Magpies will be heavily depended on him in the coming weeks. Newcastle currently has no fit strikers, therefore his versatility may be essential. That should change with the return of Alexander Isak against Chelsea, but Gordon may be forced to play through the middle again with the number of games we have coming up.
It will be challenging, but Gordon should still hope he can push his way into England’s Euro 2024 side next summer. If he does, it will indicate that he has been in exceptional form in black and white.
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