Anthony Gordon has shared one thing he and Jarrad Branthwaite agreed on after being called up to the England camp.
The duo were gifted their first call-ups by Gareth Southgate last month for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Gordon started against Brazil and was introduced from the bench during the 2-2 draw with Belgium.
Branthwaite, unfortunately, had to make do with a spot on the bench for both fixtures.
Anthony Gordon shares what he and Jarrad Branthwaite agreed on during England duty
Gordon’s clearly been enjoying his football since his move to Newcastle United and has played his way firmly into contention ahead of the European Championships this summer.
The 23-year-old sat down with Gary Neville on Tuesday [23 April] to discuss his season to date.
Gordon opened up on his experience with England and shared one thing he and Branthwaite agreed on.
Neville asked [The Overlap]: “What did you find when you were with England? Obviously, I played with England for many years, and the spirit was talked about a lot as being a potential issue, but the spirit in the last five years, Gareth has created an environment and a great culture.”
The Newcastle United winger replied: “That was the most surprising thing because, like I said before, I knew I would do well on the pitch. Off the pitch I was nervous, as you would be, going to meet a load of new people.
“The culture they have managed to create with the staff is so impressive, and me, Kobbie and Jarrad all said the same thing, we were like, actually, the lads are lovely, the staff are lovely – they go out their way constantly to make you feel like you have been there for ages, that definitely helped.”
Will Gordon and Branthwaite make the European Championship squad this summer?
At the moment, Gordon’s inclusion in the squad feels more likely. The 23-year-old’s 18 goal involvements mean he’s firmly in contention to compete with one of the wide berths in Southgate’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system.
Branthwaite, on the other hand, faces a battle to land a place after his snub last month. Quite why Southgate didn’t give the Cumbrian a run-out is a mystery.
With a left-sided option required alongside John Stones, the Everton star feels like the perfect fit.
However, it feels as if the England boss will head down his tried and tested route of Harry Maguire, a player he trusts on the international stage.