Newcastle United are set to be well-represented amongst England ranks at Euro 2024.
While Callum Wilson and Nick Pope have fallen out of the England reckoning since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Newcastle will still have a presence in Gareth Southgate’s squad.
Kieran Trippier, of course, continues to be a key part of the Three Lions set-up and may even start at left-back for the opening game against Serbia due to Luke Shaw’s injury.
Despite some indifferent form at club level this season, Trippier has rarely let England down since making his debut in 2017 and captained the side during their friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park.
Then there’s Anthony Gordon.
After a stunning season for Newcastle, the winger was selected over Jack Grealish for the tournament and will surely battle Phil Foden for a space on the left-hand side of the attack.
Obviously, ousting the Manchester City star will not be easy but Wayne Rooney has not only backed Gordon to do so, he’s talked about how well Gordon has settled since an acrimonious move from Everton.
Wayne Rooney addresses Everton fan fury about Anthony Gordon
Speaking during Channel 4’s coverage of England’s defeat to Iceland on Friday night, Rooney said: “I think since his move from Everton to Newcastle, obviously I did a similar thing moving to Manchester United, he got a bit of stick from the Evertonians with that move, but he settled down really well at Newcastle.
“He has got a great creativity, he is fearless with the ball, he works hard and he gives a great balance to the team, so, for me, I think he is the right person to start on the left (for England).”
Gordon, of course, is not a popular figure amongst Toffees supporters, who reminded him of exactly that during their win over Newcastle at Goodison Park in December.
Eddie Howe is to thank for Anthony Gordon at Euro 2024
Gordon obviously deserves a huge amount of credit for putting a difficult first few months at Newcastle behind him.
Still, it may not have been at all possible without Howe’s stewardship.
In fact, speaking about the Newcastle’s manager impact on his career, Gordon said in March: “I probably never could have achieved that if I was not playing for this manager. He’s given me the opportunity to go and excel and push all the attributes I’ve got to the very limit.
Thanks to Howe, England have a new weapon to deploy at the Euros.
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