Anthony Gordon named in England squad amid Newcastle United injury concern

Anthony Gordon has been named in Gareth Southgate's England squad to take on Brazil and Belgium later this month. It's the first senior call-up for the Newcastle United player.

The 23-year-old is one of Premier League's most in-form wingers with his goal during the recent 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers taking his goalscoring tally to 10 for the season. Gordon was substituted early in the first half during United's 3-2 defeat to Chelsea on Monday as the England manager looked on. However after speculation, it appears the winger has avoided serious injury and is fit enough to join up with the squad.

Speaking on Gordon's selection, Southgate said: "Consistently good performances. He was very close in November, as we said at the time. He's continued his form, he's scoring, his work for the team is excellent. He competes, which is important- so I really like his attitude.

"Again, he's another one we watched closely with the under-21s where he fulfilled a different role as a sort of a false nine but did that really well.

"He's had a very good season. Has got goals against some of the big teams as well, which for us is very interesting to see."

Gordon has been vocal in his dream of being a part of the England squad for this year's Euros after winning Player of the Tournament at the Under 21s Euros last year.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, he said: “I wrote in my notebook at the start of the season that the top target was England. I also wrote that I wanted to be Newcastle’s most important player, someone the manager could depend on. I wanted something in there that I could hold myself accountable for.

“I feel like I’ve done everything I can to get in the squad. I understand the competition, and the ability in that team is frightening. But I’ve done my utmost – I’ve ran every yard I possibly could and I’ve scored and assisted at a good level. I’ve still got more to give, but I can be proud and say, ‘I’ve given it everything’. Every time I’m tired, I think, ‘Dig in, England could be watching!’.”