‘I’m not scared’ - Anthony Gordon honest on World Cup dream as Newcastle United release clause revealed
Anthony Gordon scored his second goal for England in a dominant 5-0 win over Latvia last night.
Anthony Gordon is backing himself to fulfil his footballing “dream” by representing England in the World Cup next year.
A mixed start to his Three Lions career has seen Newcastle United’s wideman cut a frustrated figure. Gordon was infamously ignored during Euro 2024 - playing just four minutes - despite enjoying a stellar campaign for the Magpies.
He has struggled to find the same productivity levels in the final third, largely down to England’s scary depth going forward not allowing him to play a full 90 minutes. However, Gordon was on song last night to break the deadlock in a 5-0 win over Latvia.
The 24-year-old cut inside from the left flank before curling his effort into the corner from distance. Thomas Tuchel’s men capitalised to put the side ranked 137th in the FIFA rankings to bed.
‘I’m not scared’ - Anthony Gordon
Speaking post-match, Gordon vowed to fight for his place despite the stiff competition within England’s ranks. He said: "I think definitely the last three performances have been my best for England. They've got progressively better. But yet again, I can't rest on that. I still feel I can do more. I still feel like I could have scored two goals and got an assist or two. So if I want to be really top, top, elite, world-level winger, I've got more to do.
"I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm not scared of competition at all. I don't mind it. It pushes me to be better. It pushes us all to be better. So it's definitely not something I'm scared of, but more something I cherish."
‘Every young lad’s dream’ - Anthony Gordon
Gordon also insisted it is a lifelong ambition to pull on the Three Lions jersey in a World Cup. He added: “Every young lad in England dreams of playing in a World Cup for England. So there aren't many words you can use to describe the feeling it would mean putting on a shirt in one of those games (next summer). So, listen, it starts in November; actually, it starts back at club level.
"I'm not lost on the competition, I'm not lost on the fact that being successful in the qualifiers means we get on a plane, that's definitely not the case. I need to go back to my club, perform and get into the next camp."
Newcastle United release clause
According to the i, Gordon has a release clause in his Newcastle contract for an unspecified fee. He only penned a contract extension a year ago which runs until 2030.
Gordon is viewed as one of United’s blue-chip players, although his stock has waned in recent times. Eddie Howe is working on getting the winger back to his best following an underwhelming 2024-25 at St James’ Park.
The contract situation on Tyneside could become a concern if Newcastle are not careful. While they are likely protected by a fair release clause for Gordon, the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Tino Livramento will have two years remaining come next summer.
Toon chiefs will be keen to avoid another draining transfer saga akin to Alexander Isak’s. Sporting director Ross Wilson arrived on Saturday and has been given a top priority to get Newcastle’s stars tied down.