Declan Rice reveals how Newcastle United star performed in England training

Declan Rice has told Anthony Gordon he performed “class all week” on his first senior international break.

England called the Newcastle United winger up for the first time ahead of the double-header with Brazil and Belgium. Gareth Southgate admitted Gordon was “close” to being in the squad at the back end of last year and his continued form left him with no option this time around.

Gordon played 75 minutes against Brazil - where he faced Toon teammate Bruno Guimaraes - and was a rare bright spark in an otherwise disappointing 1-0 defeat. The Three Lions, chasing the game, then threw the 23-year-old on with 10 minutes to go while Belgium defended a 2-1 lead.

He again received plaudits after Jude Bellingham struck a 95th-minute equaliser. Forever the self-critic, Gordon set his sights on becoming an influential England star following his debut.

“I want to play as many games for England as I possibly can,” he said after the Brazil loss. “I’m quite hard on myself so I wanted to score and win. If I think like that, I can’t do myself any harm.

“I know I played well but I hope for more. It was not quite how I envisaged it. But it’s still an amazing day for me, I relished every minute of it. I’ve got a taste now so I want more.”

Southgate revealed post-match that he was impressed by Gordon and the Magpies’ wideman is now a “serious contender” for the Euro 2024 squad. Arsenal and England midfield general Rice has now gone public with how the former Everton man wowed his new international teammates.

Gordon shared a picture of him lining up for the Three Lions with “proud” as the caption. In response, Rice commented: “Class all camp bro.”