'Delighted' Eddie Howe's word of the day as he reflects on Anthony Gordon's inclusion in the latest England squad
As expected, Anthony Gordon received his first England call-up yesterday by Gareth Southgate as the Three Lions are set to face Brazil and Belgium in the last friendlies before Euro 2024.
Why it took Southgate so long to make the call that everybody could see he should make, we'll never know, but then, we rarely expect Southgate to do the right thing, do we?
After picking up Player of the Tournament while his England side lifted the Under 21 European Championships in the summer, Anthony Gordon has gone from strength to strength. The rocky start he made to life at Newcastle is such a distant memory now we'd all have forgotten if it weren't for people like me bringing it up to make a point.
Gordon's aim now will be to book himself a seat on that plane
Now it just remains to be seen whether Gordon will get any actual minutes in the England shirt. You'd expect, with the games being friendlies that everyone called up will get a chance to play some part in the games. What Gordon really needs to do is impress in training. Show that same attitude and determination that turned him from a questionable signing to the first name on the teamsheet at Newcastle.
With Eddie Howe facing the media this morning ahead of tomorrow's massive FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City, it was no surprise that Anthony Gordon was the first topic of discussion.
Given that Gordon left the field injured on Monday night and things weren't looking great, it was likely he was going to be first up on the bill anyway, but at least this time it was for more positive reasons.
Delighted, delighted, delighted
Eddie Howe was asked about his feelings on Gordon's call up and the gaffer was clearly, well ... delighted. (via The Chronicle)
"Delighted for him. I know it's been a big aim for him. He's been outstanding this year and has grown week on week. Delighted that's been recognised."
"He's worked so far. He's scored goals, created goals. He's done brilliantly for the team. I'm delighted."
We share in Howe's delight and it has given us a reason to keep an eye on the England friendlies along with seeing how Bruno Guimaraes performs against the Three Lions too.
