How Gordon became a key Newcastle attacker - could he be going to the Euros with England?

©TM/IMAGO

Last April, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was subbed as a sub. He came on at half-time against Brentford, only to be withdrawn in the latter stages for Matt Ritchie. Gordon made his feelings known as he shrugged off manager Eddie Howe, and had to be calmed down by coach Graeme Jones, but ultimately he could have little complaints after an underwhelming first few months at St James Park, where he scored just one and assisted zero in 16 Premier League appearances, following his €45.6 million January move from Everton. 

Eight months on and he’s one of Howe’s key men, and someone to be relied on. Gordon has 11 direct goal contributions this season - more than any other Newcastle player, and only Ollie Watkins, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have more in the Premier League. His winning strike against Manchester United on Saturday took Newcastle to within three points of the Champions League places. 

How Gordon has become a key Newcastle star this season

Following the €44m signing of Harvey Barnes this summer to add to Newcastle’s attacking ranks that already included Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson, and Miguel Almirón, many may have expected a campaign of trying to impress from the bench for Gordon, after the aforementioned disappointing first half a season for the Magpies last term. However, Gordon has started 12 of Newcastle’s 13 Premier League games; the only match the young Englishmen missed was the 2-2 draw with West Ham through suspension after picking up five yellow cards. Gordon has also started four of Newcastle’s five Champions League fixtures.

Gordon has scored six goals in the league this season and they have often been key strikes when it matters most. The 22-year-old has scored the winners against league leaders Arsenal and Man United this term. He has completed 77 league dribbles this season, the ninth most in the entire division and the most for the Magpies. These dribbles aren’t just for show either, they are leading to progressions for the team - Gordon also has the third highest success rate in the English top-flight from those dribbles - his 63.64% can only be bettered by Mohammed Kudus and Jérémy Doku. 

Speaking after Newcastle’s victory against Man United, which helped them leapfrog the Red Devils to sixth place in the Premier league, manager Howe was effusive in his praise for Gordon’s attitude and talent: "You sign players because you like their ability. When you bring them into the group, there is always a period where you have to earn their trust and them you. There was no stage where I didn't trust him. He just had to learn how we did things. Anthony has a desire to get better every day. Sometimes we have to take him off the training pitch when we feel he has done enough. He has this burning motivation to be the best. We are loving working with him. He wants to ask questions, start dialogue and debate his game. That is great from our perspective."

Staff

E. Howe Age: 46

Newcastle United

Season 23/24 -
Premier League

Games

34

Won

16

Draw

5

Lost

13

Gordon pushing to be on the plane to the Euros?

Valued at €45m, Gordon is the third most valuable player to have never had an international cap, behind French attackers Michael Olise (MV: €50m) and Mathys Tel (MV: €50m). When you compare Gordon’s Premier League stats this season to the other Three Lions wingers Gareth Southgate has at his disposal, it makes for some interesting reading. 

Of the England wingers in the previous squad for the November internationals against Malta and North Macedonia, only Jarrod Bowen has more Premier League goals, and only Bukayo Saka has more assists. Only Marcus Rashford has completed more dribbles, but with a far lower success rate than Gordon of just 54.55%, and no England winger in the November squad has had more direct goal contributions than the Newcastle man. Gordon is knocking on the door, but will Southgate answer before the Euros in Germany next summer remains the question.  

Player Comparison

Anthony Gordon

Marcus Rashford

Newcastle United

Manchester United

€50.00m

Market Value

€60.00m

23

Age

26

Left Winger

Position

Left Winger

Jun 30, 2026

Contract until

Jun 30, 2028

Full Player Comparison

After naming his latest squad last month without Gordon included, Southgate said, “[Gordon] is a good player. He was very good with our under-21s last year. He is very close, I have to say. I like his attitude, I like the way he works so hard for the team. Of course, I am sure he was hoping for a call at this moment, but there are good players playing well in that position on the field.” With Scotland also reportedly admiring the talents of Gordon, who would be eligible to represent Scotland through his paternal grandparents, Southgate may have to get the talented Liverpudlian involved sooner rather than later to ensure the Three Lions don’t miss out on Gordon’s talents.