‘Very pleased’ - Gareth Southgate comments give Newcastle United duo Euro 2024 green light after Burnley win

Gareth Southgate was in attendance - and Newcastle United’s domestic duo delivered. Callum Wilson and Anthony Gordon shone to give the England boss plenty of food for thought before he names his preliminary Euro 2024 squad later this month.

Wilson bagged an instinctive first-half finish to open the floodgates, sending Newcastle on their way to a ruthless 4-1 win. Gordon proved a menace throughout, setting up Guimaraes’ well-placed finish to put the game out of sight.

The tricky winger also won a penalty - which Alexander Isak missed - that would have inflicted further misery on Burnley. Just days ago, Southgate hailed Gordon for his stellar campaign on Tyneside.

“He’s been outstanding all year,” he said. “We were able to see him in the Champions League games, which of course is very similar to our world, it’s knockout games against top-level opponents.

“Then the fact that he’s weighing in with goals is important, but also the work he does off the ball. He works tirelessly for the team, and I think we saw that with our games in March as well. We were very pleased with what he did.”

The Three Lions chief was treated to a typical all-action affair from Gordon akin to his international debut against Brazil last month. While England lost, the 23-year-old took his chance and showed he can handle the heat on the big stage.

Southgate, with Kieran Trippier ruled out and Nick Pope on the bench, likely came to watch Gordon and left with more than he bargained for after Wilson’s impressive showing. He enjoyed the rigours of leading the line in an unprecedented attacking pair, looking in good nick to capitalise on last week’s strike against Sheffield United.

Bookmakers are still offering up to 16/1 on Wilson boarding the plane - a price that offers value given his competition. Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins are shoo-ins but Southgate will have a 26-man squad to pick.

Who else has staked their claim? Ivan Toney has hardly set the world alight since returning from his ban and, while Dominic Solanke’s 18 goals put him in the frame, Wilson boasts more international experience.

Providing he stays fit and continues to score goals, Wilson could make the plane. Only a fool would have placed the bet a month ago but, when the chips are down, Newcastle’s No.9 always comes out firing.