Anthony Gordon is going from strength to strength in Newcastle United colours.
The 23-year-old moved to Newcastle from Everton for a fairly chunky fee and his first six months at St James’ Park were mixed.
But last season, Gordon took his game to another level by scoring 11 goals and supplying ten assists out on the left for Eddie Howe’s side.
That earned the speedster a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad, but he only played five minutes under the now-departed Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
Understandably so, Gordon was annoyed by the whole situation, with England losing in the final to Spain as he watched on from the bench.
The player himself has openly spoken about that situation and how he doesn’t think anyone can live with him for 90 minutes.
It’s brave talk from the all-action star and Roy Keane is loving what he is hearing, with England beating Ireland 2-0 on Saturday in the UEFA Nations League and interim boss Lee Carsley picking Gordon to start.
The Manchester United legend is pretty outspoken with his thoughts and he admitted that he ‘loved’ what he was hearing from the Newcastle star.
But, in typical Keane fashion, he did send out a warning to the player, with Gordon having to battle it out with several top stars for a starting spot, as he told ITV Sport.
Anthony Gordon’s England struggles
“I love it,” said Keane. “I do like a player when he is a little bit narky (from not playing) and that’s fine. Players think they all should be playing. He is a talented boy.
“The beauty of it now. You are chatting a good game. You are saying how you are that the new manager is involved. You are happy when he is playing you. Go and prove yourself that you can play at this level.”
Eddie Howe for the England job
There are a lot of question marks hovering above St James’ Park, at the minute, after Newcastle’s pretty poor summer transfer window.
Added to that, Howe has been tipped to become England’s next manager, which would be an interesting move and a body blow for the Toon Army faithful.
READ MORE: Newcastle ace ‘really struggled’ and admits he ‘must improve’ while Sandro Tonali shines
But, for Gordon himself, from a purely selfish standpoint, he would then get to work with someone who knows his game inside and out.
And that starting spot for England would be his to lose, but as of this moment, he is probably just grateful that he is now earning those minutes.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
