From paranoia and being trolled to Euro 2024 final – Inside Anthony Gordon’s remarkable rise
Anthony Gordon, the talented winger for Newcastle United, is on the brink of making history with England in Berlin. His journey over the past year has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by significant challenges and triumphs.
Just 11 months before earning his first England call-up, some media outlets criticized Gordon for not living up to his price tag. In April 2023, his future as a first-team starter at Newcastle United seemed uncertain.
An incident at Brentford, where he appeared to shove manager Eddie Howe in frustration, thrust him into the spotlight for the wrong reasons. This altercation led to speculations and negative headlines.
Gordon’s situation worsened after he missed a crucial one-on-one opportunity and was subsequently substituted at half-time in a match against Southampton.
Despite Newcastle winning the game, Gordon’s performance was underwhelming. His move from Everton had already been controversial, and the pressure to justify his transfer fee was immense.
The defining moment for Gordon came after the incident at Brentford. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Gordon expressed regret over his actions and shared how the days off after the incident filled him with anxiety.
He recalled how Howe’s support and reassurance were pivotal. Howe’s man-management skills and belief in Gordon’s potential played a crucial role in his redemption.
Following Howe’s encouragement, Gordon began to demonstrate his worth at Newcastle. His national reputation grew, culminating in a strong finish to the 2022/23 season, highlighted by a goal in a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
Gordon then excelled at the Under-21 European Championships, where he was named Player of the Tournament after England’s victory over Spain in the final.
Despite his stellar form for Newcastle, Gordon’s participation in the Euros has been limited, with only a few minutes of play in a lackluster draw against Slovenia. His omission from the England lineup puzzled many, given his outstanding performance last season, where he scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists.
This earned him a call-up in the spring match against Brazil, where he received acclaim from pundits like Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer, and Gary Neville.
In an interview on Sky Sports’ Overlap, Gordon spoke about his confidence and determination.
He emphasized the importance of earning respect in football, stating, “You have to earn respect which is the biggest thing in football as it’s an opinion-based sport. No one is going to respect you if you haven’t earned it. It’s a pride thing so if you can prove it to yourself, then everyone’s opinion will align with yours.”
Eddie Howe’s support has been instrumental in Gordon’s journey. Howe expressed his delight over Gordon’s England call-up, acknowledging his hard work and dedication. “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,” Howe said.
Anthony Gordon’s story is one of resilience and determination. From facing criticism and controversy to earning a place in the England squad, his journey reflects his unwavering commitment to success.
As Newcastle United gears up for the new season, fans and pundits alike will be watching Gordon closely, anticipating more remarkable performances and hoping he continues to shine on both the domestic and international stages.
