Newcastle United star's 'huge message' ahead of England fixtures with Belgium and Brazil

Anthony Gordon has ‘sent a huge message’ to England manager Gareth Southgate with his impressive performances for Newcastle United.

That was the verdict of Magpies legend Alan Shearer as he assessed the United forward’s chances of landing a place in England’s squad for this summer’s Euro 2024 Finals.  The former Everton star endured a difficult first six months at St James Park after making a £40m switch to Tyneside last January.

But after helping England to their European U21s Championship win and landing the player of the tournament award, Gordon has been the biggest positive of what has been a difficult season at St James Park by becoming a key player within Eddie Howe’s side.

After scoring in Saturday’s 3-0 home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gordon has scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances in all competitions.  However, the statistics only tell half of the story of Gordon’s impact on the Magpies as he has continued to impress with the work-rate and intensity that have been the hallmarks of Howe’s time in charge at St James Park.

Gordon’s form as led to speculation he could receive a first senior call-up for England’s friendlies against Belgium and Brazil later this month - and former Three Lions captain Shearer believes the Magpies star has ‘a really good chance’ of forcing his way into Southgate’s thinking.

Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, he said: “I think he’s (Gordon) sending the right or a huge message out to Gareth Southgate.  He’s been absolutely fantastic in a season that’s been tough at times, he’s the one player that has stood out.  His energy, his ability to run with the ball, his finishing, he’s got goals.  

I do (think he can get in the Euro 2024 squad), he’s got a right good chance of getting into the squad.  (Jarrod) Bowen is having a great season playing a lot of his games down the middle but he’s scoring a lot of goals as well.  But Gordon has giving himself a really good chance of getting in there.”