Anthony Gordon has heaped praise on his England teammate Marc Guehi following reports of Newcastle’s interest in the defender.
Guehi impressed at Crystal Palace last season and his form was rewarded with a place in the England squad for Euro 2024.
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Due to an injury to Harry Maguire, the 23-year-old was given his chance in the Three Lions’ opening match against Serbia alongside John Stones in the heart of the English defence and delivered an excellent performance in the 1-0 win.
Gordon, who was not on the bench for Sunday’s Group C match, praised Guehi’s debut at a major international tournament.
And he also admitted that he would welcome the centre-back to St. James’ Park this summer.
“He’s top, he’s such a good player and I was glad the nation got to see him shine on that stage because he’s such a nice guy and he deserves what he deserves,” Gordon said in an exclusive interview with The Pitch Prospect’s England correspondent Faye Carruthers.
“I thought he was incredible in this game [vs Serbia] considering his size compared to the strikers they had.
“He won every header, he was aggressive, intercepted a lot and his greatest strength is his composure on the ball, he is like a midfielder.
“So he and Stonesy at the back are a great team to control a game.”
On speculation about a possible move to Tyneside, Gordon added: “I haven’t really seen the links with Newcastle but it goes without saying that I would love to see him come because he is a top player and would make us a better team.”
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Much has been said about the new English midfield of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who took on a more attacking role in the game against Serbia.
Despite playing in midfield a few times last season, the Liverpool star has played as a right-back for most of his career, but due to his composure and passing ability, Southgate opted to play him in midfield.
It is not yet clear where Alexander-Arnold will fit best in the England starting eleven, but his budding friendship with Bellingham is beyond doubt.
And Gordon believes their relationship will help the couple and England on the pitch.
“They get on really well,” Gordon revealed. “They’re always together – breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a good relationship and obviously it’s helping because Trent is moving into midfield.”
“It’s beneficial for Jude because they’re friends and can help each other. And Trent is new to the position, so he’ll need Jude’s help sometimes.”
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But the Newcastle winger has his own ambitions for Euro 2024, starting with his first appearance at a major championship tournament.
Phil Foden was selected to play on the left wing against Serbia, a position Gordon holds at club level.
However, with Foden insisting on playing in central positions, England had plenty of space on the flanks and Gordon wondered what might have been had he been on the pitch.
“I think regardless of how the game would have gone, that’s how I would have felt anyway,” Gordon said of his experience watching from the bench. “That was the game plan because it’s good for Phil to come in. So obviously we’re not going to have any width on that side.”
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“Tripps [Kieran Trippier] is not a left-back, so he will obviously play a bit more defensively than Luke [Shaw] would, he would continue.
“We play to the strengths of the players. There is no point in letting Phil play wide left because that is not his game. He is better in the niches where he can control the game and create from the central areas.
“I couldn’t wait to move on, but it’s okay, we won the game and that’s the most important thing.”
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