‘For me’ - Steve Bruce gives verdict on Newcastle United star’s England hopes

Steve Bruce believes Anthony Gordon “has to be” on the plane for Euro 2024 - but stopped short of naming him in England’s starting line-up.

Newcastle United fans have been left stunned by the winger’s transformation under Eddie Howe this season. When Gordon arrived 13 months ago, Toon supporters saw a player struggling to cope with Howe’s demands.

The former Everton man knuckled down and refused time off in the summer, instead joining England under-21s for their Euros campaign. Gordon ultimately won the competition and was named Player of the Tournament - form he has continued into 2023-24.

Eight goals and six assists has propelled him into contention for the senior squad, with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate admitting he is “very close” in November. Speaking to OLBG, former Newcastle manager Bruce backed Gordon to make the cut but expects Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka to play out wide.

"We are so balanced and we have such a quality in wide areas for England it is scary,” he said. “He has to be on the list, I would have thought. But England still have the likes of Foden, Grealish and Saka to consider - the list goes on and on.

"We have a wonderful array of talent in that area of attacking players. He must be on the agenda. He has been a real success and Newcastle have bought really well.

“Harvey Barnes will come into that category as well even though he has suffered injuries so far this season. At the minute, it has to be Foden and Saka in those wide positions for me.”