Golden boy Gordon staking claim for England call-up

Anthony Gordon has been a shining light in an underwhelming Premier League campaign for Newcastle.

After scoring in last weekend's 3-0 win over Wolves, the 23-year-old now has 10 goals in all competitions this season, marking an impressive return for a player who had previously operated as a traditional winger.

Ahead of the Magpies' clash with Chelsea tonight, we assess Gordon's development and his chances of an England call for Euro 2024.

Levelling up

Gordon has undoubtedly been one of Newcastle's standout performers this season.

Only Alexander Isak (11) has scored more goals in the Premier League for the Magpies than the Liverpudlian (nine) and he ranks second for assists too, with five to his name so far.

As well as this, no Newcastle player has taken more shots (57) or attempted more take-ons (76) than Gordon.

He has been the main man in attack for Eddie Howe's side this season, performing more consistently than any of his team-mates.

The England Under-21s international has also demonstrated a willingness to work off the ball, with only Bruno Guimaraes winning more possessions in the attacking third (20) than the Magpies' No10 (19).

While quietly keeping Newcastle in contention for the European places next season, none of his work will have escaped the attention of Gareth Southgate.

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There were some suggestions that Newcastle had overpaid when they signed Gordon for £45million from Everton in January last year.

But that investment now looks like a shrewd one, with plenty still to come from a young player yet to reach his peak.

And head coach Howe has backed him to force his way into the England fold.

He said: "His [Gordon's] form this season has been consistent and I think that is what Gareth [Southgate] will be looking for, consistent performances above a certain level.

"He will be looking for goals and assists from his wingers and he's delivered that as well. I think he's in a really good place.

"I would say to him, don't focus on England, focus on your club form. Keep doing the right things with us and everything else will take care of itself.

"Anthony has done that and I don't think he's been distracted at any time. He's kept looking at the short term and is very motivated to play every minute of every game, which I love about him. His career is in a good place."

England hopes

The big question then, is whether Gordon is worthy of a place on the plane to Germany come June.

Those of a Newcastle persuasion will think so — and there are plenty of arguments in his favour.

With Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford out of form and Jack Grealish currently injured, Gordon is England's standout left-sided attacking player, even if he has yet to earn his first cap.

He was excellent in last year's European Under-21 Championship, winning Player of the Tournament.

Speaking in November, Southgate said: "He [Gordon] is a good player. He was very good with our Under-21s last year and is very close. 

"But like a couple of others, they have to think further ahead about opportunities which will come up and for someone like Anthony that is eminently possible with us."

With a positive end to the season at St James' Park, Gordon could well find himself heading to the Euros as one of the Three Lions' most exciting players.