Newcastle United star set to miss start of pre-season as summer plans announced

Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon is set to miss the start of pre-season after being named in England’s under-21s for the European Championships.

The tournament takes place in Romania and Georgia with the Three Lions’ group games against Czech Republic, Israel and Germany taking place between June 22-28.

Should Lee Carsley’s side progress into the knockout stages, the quarter-finals take place on July 1 and 2, while the semi-finals and final are pencilled for July 5 and 8, respectively.

Whatever stage Gordon - and England - exit the competition, the 22-year-old will likely be afforded some time off, which is set to coincide with Newcastle’s start to pre-season.

Eddie Howe’s men kick-off their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign against National League side Gateshead on July 15 before travelling to Scotland to face Rangers at Ibrox.

Newcastle then fly out to the USA for the inaugural Premier League Summer Series. They face Aston Villa in Philadelphia before Darren Eales and Miguel Almiron return to Atlanta to take on Chelsea. The trip is rounded off in New Jersey against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Once back on Tyneside, NewcastleWorld understands Howe’s side are likely to play on back-to-back days, similar to the double-header against Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao last year.

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While Gordon has the honour of representing his country, missing parts of pre-season is a blow for the Liverpudlian, who opened up his struggles since joining from Everton for £45million in January.

“It has been so difficult just because of the level I was at coming in, the lads here were so much higher,” said Gordon. I had such an uphill battle to match them and then had the injury. It always felt like I was chasing. I feel like I had a lot to do and it was hard mentally and physically.

“Now I feel I have a big summer coming up so I put myself in a really good position for next year, x=

“This summer I have got the U21 Euros so physically I am going to be so on it like never before because out there I am absolutely blowing!

“So in this team you have to be so fit. The gaffer demands so much from the players and that is something I didn’t expect and didn’t know. But I know for next year so I will be on it.”