Gordon targeted to play for rival national after Southgate's England snub

16 November 2023 , 09:51

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Gordon targeted to play for rival national after Southgate's England snub

Scotland are targeting Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon in the hope he could switch allegiances after his latest England snub.

Gordon has featured numerous times for England's under-21s and helped the Young Lions claim European Championship glory back in the summer. Gareth Southgate's side have games coming up against Malta and North Macedonia, but Gordon has been overlooked.

He's continued to thrive following his move from Everton to the Magpies, scoring goals against Newcastle's major rivals. That hasn't been enough to persuade the England boss to include him in his latest squad, however, and the Daily Record claims Scotland are now looking to pounce.

England have gone with the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden as their wide forwards which means there is no place for Gordon. Scotland would benefit greatly from having someone of his quality in their squad, especially with the Euros next summer.

Scotland have performed impressively in qualifying, but failed to make an impact at their last major tournament several years ago. And Gordon is just one of several English players not currently involved with the national team who Scotland are trying to tempt into a switch.

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Newcastle 's forward was born in Merseyside but qualifies to play for Scotland through his paternal grandparents. His Newcastle team-mates Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento are others said to have caught the attention of Scotland bosses. John Carver, who is the assistant manager with Scotland, admitted they are on the hunt for fresh talent.

Anthony Gordon has proved himself with England's under-21s (UEFA via Getty Images)

He said: “If someone’s got a relation who is Scottish, then we have to look at it. It’s then down to what he decides but we are aware that these are big decisions about their future. It’s no secret that Newcastle is my team and I watch them more than anybody. We are aware they have several outstanding players, who have never been capped by England at senior level, who qualify for Scotland.”

England recently saw off Scotland in an international friendly at Hampden Park with the Three Lions running out comfortable 3-1 winners. Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie are among their current attacking threats.

Samuel Meade