Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon set double target ahead of possible England call-up

Anthony Gordon has revealed the two targets he set himself ahead of the season as he looks for success with Newcastle United and England.

The former Everton winger has been in stunning form for Eddie Howe’s side this season and has won many plaudits for his performances throughout what has been a challenging campaign for the Magpies. With injuries and a loss of form hitting a number of players within Howe’s ranks, Gordon has come to the fore with ten goals and seven assists in 38 appearances as the talented forward has moved on from what was a difficult start to life on Tyneside.

After joining United in a reported £40m move from Everton last January, Gordon was unable to force his way into the Magpies side on a regular basis but did end the season on a positive note with his first goal for the club in a 1-1 draw at Chelsea. He took the momentum from that goal into the summer as he was named player of the tournament following England’s successful bid to win the European Under-21 Championship.

His form for club and country over the last 12 months has led to some suggestions Gordon could be handed a first senior call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad as they prepare for a friendly double-header against Brazil and Belgium later this month. The Magpies star has revealed he has set his sights on further progress with club and country and insisted he feels like he has ‘done everything’ to impress the Three Lions manager.

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!’.”