- Gordon will join the England squad next week for their upcoming friendlies
- Howe has named a quality of Gordon that could help him make the Euros
- Letting in more goals than last term already… Why Newcastle aren’t the force they were – It’s All Kicking off podcast
Eddie Howe says Anthony Gordon has his sights on Euro 2024 and will not settle for anything less after winning his first England call-up.
The Newcastle winger will join up with Gareth Southgate’s squad next week ahead of the Wembley friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
The games are the last international audition ahead of this summer’s European Championship, and Gordon has kept the dates free given his season-long ambition to make the finals.
‘He won’t want to just experience this and not the second part (Euros),’ said Howe. ‘I’m sure that is the aim for him.’
And Howe believes Gordon’s versatility – he can play in all positions across a front three – could yet edge him ahead in the race for a seat on the plane to Germany.
‘It certainly can’t harm him,’ said the Newcastle boss. ‘When we signed him we were looking at someone who could play both sides. When you analyse how many wingers in the Premier League can effectively play both sides, it’s not many.
‘Anthony would prefer the left, but he can play on the right and play there very well – he did that a lot for Everton. That versatility is important for us, and I’m sure it will be important for Gareth as well.’
Gordon told Mail Sport last weekend of his ambition to make the England squad for the first time, and Howe added: ‘I’m delighted for him. I know it’s been a big aim and ambition for him since he was a little boy, and he fully deserves it in my opinion.
‘He’s been outstanding this year and I think he’s continued to grow week on week. I’m delighted that’s been recognised because he’s worked so hard, from the first day of pre-season after coming back from the (Under-21s) Euros and doing so well there. He’s scored goals, created goals and done brilliantly for the team.’
There was a fear Gordon would be ruled out of England contention after being forced off with a knee injury before half-time during Monday’s 3-2 defeat at Chelsea.
However, as Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday, the injury was not serious and the 23-year-old was expected to return to training this week, which he did on Thursday.
Howe said: ‘It was a strange one because, initially, when you see a player come off like that you fear it’s a serious injury. I don’t think he did anything serious, which is great news for us.’
Newcastle will make a late call on Gordon’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City but he is expected to be OK to feature.
Meanwhile, Nick Pope’s hopes of making Euro 2024 are fading after Howe revealed it would be the end of April before the goalkeeper returned from a shoulder layoff.
