Scotland Not Considered by Gordon from England
Anthony Gordon, the talented forward from Newcastle, has revealed that playing for Scotland was never a consideration for him after receiving his first call-up to the senior England squad. Despite Scotland’s interest in securing his services, Gordon was determined to play for England, a dream he has had since he was a young child.
Gordon’s impressive performances this season, with 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions, caught the attention of Scotland. He qualified to play for them through his grandparents, and there were reports suggesting that Scotland would make a move for him when he missed out on the last England squad.
However, Gordon remained steadfast in his ambition to play for England. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate acknowledged that Gordon was close to being selected at that time. In an interview, Gordon expressed his unwavering commitment to England, stating, “It was never a thought for me – that’s no disrespect to Scotland at all. I’ve been tunnel vision on playing for England since I was five, six years old and nothing could ever shake that off. I would never forgive myself if I didn’t get to this point.”
Gordon’s call-up to the England squad comes at a crucial time, as he aims to break into Southgate’s side before this summer’s European Championships in Germany. With England boasting a wealth of attacking talent, including players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Cole Palmer, and Jarrod Bowen, Gordon faces stiff competition for a spot in the team.
However, the 23-year-old is confident that his call-up has come at the right moment. He believes that he has been consistently performing at his best throughout his career, which has been instrumental in earning him this opportunity. Gordon said, “I don’t think I have ever been as consistent in my career so far. If you aren’t doing that, you aren’t going to get into this team. I’m quite thankful for that as I get to show a great account of myself now.”
Reflecting on his journey, Gordon acknowledged that perhaps coming into the England squad earlier would have been premature. He recognizes the high level of competition in his positions and understands the need for consistency to break into the team. Gordon is excited about training with and learning from the best players in the country.
England’s upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium will be crucial for Gordon and his fellow players to showcase their skills before Southgate finalizes his training squad for the Euros in May. These matches provide a final opportunity for Southgate to work with his players and assess their performances before making his selection.
In conclusion, Anthony Gordon’s call-up to the England squad marks a significant milestone in his career. His unwavering commitment to playing for England, along with his consistent performances, has earned him this opportunity. As Gordon competes for a place in the team, he recognizes the challenge posed by the talented players around him. However, he is confident that his time has come and is determined to make the most of this chance. The upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium will be crucial in determining Gordon’s fate and whether he will be part of England’s squad for the Euros.