Anthony Gordon handed perfect England opportunity to prove Gareth Southgate wrong

Interim England head coach Lee Carsley has handed Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon the perfect opportunity to prove Gareth Southgate wrong.

The Magpies forward starts the Three Lions' Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland this afternoon after a bright start to the campaign. Newcastle team-mates Tino Livramento and Nick Pope are on the bench for Lee Carsley's side.

Gordon was one of the standout performers for Eddie Howe's side last season with 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Newcastle last season. It was that impressive run of form that saw Southgate include the forward in his England squad for the 2024 European Championships, but only handed him one substitute appearance out in Germany.

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“I was disappointed, because I believe in myself so much. I feel unstoppable, especially at that point of the season I had just had," Gordon told ITV Sport this week. “I felt like no-one could defend me, no-one could deal with me over 90 minutes. I felt like I was ready to and really impress people and help the country win the trophy. To envision what I envisioned…to what it was, it was disappointing.”

When pressed further about asking Southgate for more minutes during this summer's tournament, he added: "Nothing, really. I didn’t never really ask. I’m not really that type of guy. I just like to get on with what I’ve got to do.

“I believe in myself, so even from the bench I was thinking, ‘If he brings me on, I’m going to be ready, I’m going to change the game’. But it didn’t happen.”

Newcastle transfer target Marc Guehi was also selected to start the clash in Dublin, having missed out on a move to St. James' Park in the recent summer transfer window. Nick Pope and Tino Livramento were name on the bench.

Lee Carsley's England XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Maguire, Guehi, Colwill; Rice, Mainoo; Gordon, Saka, Grealish, Kane.