Increased competition for World Cup places can bring the very best out of Anthony Gordon
Football content editor for Chronicle Live, Sunderland Live, Gazette Live, Leeds Live, Yorkshire Live and Hull Live. A North East native, he has been working in sports journalism since 1995. Stuart has worked on the Sunday Sun, Chronicle and the Journal since move from the Gateshead Post in 1999.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon in action for England (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Newcastle United players don’t need any extra motivation to perform at the very highest level in the coming months. After all, they have the challenge of the Champions League, Premier League and the defence of their Carabao Cup title to contend with before September is even out.
Eddie Howe demands the highest standards from his side, and there is no reason to think he will get anything but top-level performances from his players in some mouthwatering games on the horizon.
However, while club may come before country for the majority of the season, there are few players who would not admit to have one eye on the World Cup next summer.
It’s the pinnacle of the international calendar, after all, and while the thrills and spills of domestic and European football may hold the appeal, a major tournament is always special, particularly the World Cup.
Newcastle have many players hoping to be part of their national squad for the showdown in Mexico, Canada and the USA in June and July 2026.
The eyes of the world will be on some incredible stadia in North America, and the Magpies will be well represented by the likes of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Elanga and, potentially, Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw.
When it comes to England, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Dan Burn will all have high hopes of making Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, with Anthony Gordon should be on the plane.
However, while Gordon would expect to continue to be part of Tuchel’s plans, he has seen competition emerge this season – and that can only be good news for Newcastle.
The 24-year-old started the season well for Newcastle, playing out of position as a central striker, but his red card against Liverpool means his season stalled before it really began.
Gordon certainly looks to have the hunger back after a difficult second half of last season with injury and suspension, and you would expect he will win his place back in the side – in his prefered left-wing role – once his three-match ban is complete.
However, his spot in Tuchel’s starting XI is less certain. Marcus Rashford was recalled to the England fold and started against Andorra on Saturday, while Jack Grealish appears to have rediscovered his form at Everton.
He missed out this time, but will surely be included in future squads if he maintains his new standards, especially with Tuchel mildly critical of the creative players against Andorra.
“The last pass from Noni (Madueke), the last decision from Noni wasn’t clinical enough and Marcus Rashford had some good moments, but couldn’t finish them with a clinical assist.” he said after Saturday’s 2-0 win.
“It’s stuff that can happen against a narrow 5-4-1 [formation]. We should have scored the second one earlier, because the second goal gave us a lot of freedom and players moved with a bit more confidence.”
Should Gordon be worried? Not a bit. His pace, finishing ability and creative vision are a match for any of his rivals, but he cannot afford to take his eye off the ball if he wants to book his place at the World Cup.
That is wonderful news for Newcastle and Howe. In a summer which has seen several big-money arrivals – and one big-name exit – Gordon remains a genuine matchwinner for United.
He gives his all for the cause on the pitch, and with extra carrot – or stick – of an England place in the balance, can again be the driving force behind Newcastle’s attacking impetus.
You would expect him to start against Serbia on Tuesday night and then return to Newcastle with two of his three-match ban still to run, but champing at the bit to make a positive impression.
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