Gareth Southgate gives key Newcastle United injury hint as he names his England squad for international break

Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon has received his first full England call-up after an excellent run of performances in his first full season in Black and White.

The former Everton star initially struggled to hit the ground running at St James’ Park, following his £40m move from Everton in January 2022.

However, after winning Player of the Tournament during England’s U21 European Championship triumph last summer, he has exploded into life in the Premier League - firing in nine goals and five assists from 27 league appearances, becoming the team’s standout performer in a difficult campaign, marred by injuries.

Gordon previously described playing for England as a lifelong dream, and the 23-year-old will now hope to make his senior debut during the upcoming friendly tests against Brazil and Belgium.

Many Magpies fans see the winger as a potential candidate for Euro 2024, and Gordon will hope to translate his club form onto the international stage.

Gordon’s call-up will undoubtedly come as music to the ears of the St James’ Park faithful, who feared that the injury he sustained against Chelsea would leave him out for a large chunk of the season.

However, Southgate’s decision to call up Gordon suggests that he could return sooner than expected and fans will hope to see him feature against Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final this weekend. 

Gordon is the only Newcastle player to feature in the Three Lions squad due to injuries to Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope. Former Magpie Ivan Toney also returns to the setup for the first time since his gambling related suspension, while Liverpool’s Joe Gomez makes the squad for the first time in four years.

Full England squad

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale 

Defenders: Jarrad Brantwaite, Ben Chilwell, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Declan Rice

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins