Southgate insists Anthony Gordon is 'very close' to a call-up
Gareth Southgate has revealed that Anthony Gordon is ‘very close’ to an England call-up despite ongoing interest from Scotland.
The 22-year-old forward is one of four Newcastle United players eligible for both countries, with Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Tino Livramento also being closely monitored by Steve Clarke ahead of next year’s Euro finals in Germany.
Gordon, who has shone for Eddie Howe’s Magpies this season, currently remains on the outside looking in for England, while the likes of Rico Lewis, Cole Palmer and Ezri Konza are all hoping to make their debuts against Malta at Wembley on Friday night.
But manager Southgate hinted that the player’s patience will be rewarded if he is prepared to wait a little longer.
‘He’s a good player,’ said the England boss. ‘He was very good with our Under-21s last year. He’s very close (to a call-up), I have to say. I like his attitude. I like the way he works so hard for the team.
‘Of course, I’m sure he was hoping to get a call at this moment, but there are good players playing well in that position on the field.
‘But, I think, like a couple of others, they’ve always got to think a little further ahead as to, you know, opportunities that can come up.
‘I think, for somebody like Anthony, that’s eminently possible with us.’
As for his more familiar faces, Southgate is ready to revive his Trent Alexander-Arnold midfield experiment against Malta.
The Liverpool full back has excelled playing in a defender-midfielder hybrid role — and the manager is keen to have a closer look at the 25-year-old in a more advanced role at Wembley.
The Anfield academy graduate played as a conventional central midfielder in the first game against Malta earlier this year.
It remains to be seen whether he is
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