Anthony Gordon could muscle into Gareth Southgate’s England World Cup squad
Everton winger Anthony Gordon is set to be watched closely by Gareth Southgate in the coming weeks, with a potential last-minute call-up to England’s World Cup squad on the cards, according to Mail Sport.
The youngster has been a key cog in Lee Carsley’s Under-21s setup and it is now being closely monitored by Southgate ahead of his England squad announcement.
Southgate will name his 26-man squad in October and Gordon could muscle in last minute after an impressive start to the Premier League campaign.
Speaking to MailSport, Gordon admitted his ambitions to make the World Cup squad, claiming it would be silly not to, but he refuses to get carried away by the hype.
“If I didn’t have the ambition to play for England in the World Cup then I would be a bit stupid,” Gordon said.
“You’re always on audition, especially in the Under-21s, because you’re so close to the first team. But I understand the squad is so good at the minute that it’s going to be really tough to get in.
“I’m 100 per cent focused on making the World Cup squad. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. It’s out of my control. But I’ll definitely give it my best try.
“To get there I’ll need to score a lot of goals in the next couple of games. I’m ready for that challenge.”
Chance.
Gordon certainly has a chance of muscling in last minute into Southgate’s plans and he’s the type of talent who could reignite England’s dull performances.
He’s been terrific for Everton so far this campaign and was the shining light in their horrific Premier League season last time around.
The fact Chelsea were trying everything in their power to sign the youngster this summer highlights his class; he poses a real selection headache for Southgate now.
The winger has a real chance and will have the chance to impress in the coming weeks in fixtures.
Everton face Southampton, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United before the World Cup squad announcement; some tasty fixtures for Gordon to get stuck into.
The youngster’s eagerness to be a part of Southgate’s plans will also go a long way; he has the appetite and fearlessness needed to perform for your country in a World Cup.
We have our fingers crossed for Gordon, he would be a great weapon for England to utilise at the World Cup.