Newcastle United star 'in contention' for England call-up - and it's not Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United star Tino Livramento could be in contention for his first-ever England call-up.

Livramento was the Magpies' standout performer during Monday night's 3-2 defeat away to Chelsea after coming into the starting XI for the injured Kieran Trippier at right-back.

And watching on at Stamford Bridge was Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who will name his squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this Thursday at 2pm. Southgate is fully aware of Livramento's qualities having namedropped him in an interview in November.

On paper, there aren't many right-back to choose from currently. Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Trippier are injured, so that just leaves Kyle Walker, Ben White, Joe Gomez, Rico Lewis, Livramento as recognised options.

White was called up for England's 2022 World Cup squad but hasn't been selected since, while Lewis made his debut against North Macedonia in November.

With Trippier continuing as Newcastle's first choice right-back this campaign, Livramento has played most of his Newcastle career at left-back so far since arriving from Southampton last summer for £32million.

And the 21-year-old has done nothing but impress with Eddie Howe last week tipping him for a "very bright future".

Howe said: “I think it’s been a brilliant start to his Newcastle career, whether he’s played right-back, left-back or a wide position which he had done during our injury difficulties. I think he’s handled himself really well, played ever so well.

"It goes without saying how good he is athletically, highlighted by his goal against Wolves when he showed his running ability and technical qualities to score. I’ve been delighted with how he’s started here.

"I actually think it’s been the ideal introduction to his return from injury because not only did he have the serious knee injury he had the hamstring injury just after that which kept him out and we needed to nurse him, manage him and look after him, and how his season has gone has probably been the ideal introduction back.

"And I still think there is more to come, I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet. I really do believe in his potential. Very exciting future ahead of him."

Howe also said the challenge for Livramento is to take Trippier's shirt at club and international level.

"Tino, for such a young guy, is unbelievable," Trippier said recently. "I've had loads of talks with Tino, firstly to try to help him – I know he's my position, but I don't want to be selfish.

"Again, he's versatile, right-back, left-back as myself, and he'll be unbelievable for Newcastle in the future, and an England right-back as well. That's how highly I rate him."

Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon is likely to miss out on an England call-up after picking up a knee injury against Chelsea. The former Everton winger man is one of the Premier League's most in-form wingers with goals this season.