The stat that proves clutch Gordon will STAR for England at Euro 2024

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 27 May 2024 15:46 BST
• 4 min read

Gareth Southgate named his provisional squad for Euro 2024 this week but the England manager will have some tough decisions to make in order to cut his 33-man selection down to just 26.

Jarrell Quansah, Curtis Jones and Adam Wharton all were called up for the first time, while the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze will be hoping they can firmly integrate themselves into the national team after all making their debuts recently.

But one of Southgate’s newest stars may also end up being one of England’s most important players if he does make the cut, with Anthony Gordon’s performances for Newcastle this season earning him a place in the initial squad too.

DON'T MISS: Euro 2024 Draw: Groups, fixtures, knockouts, favourites

The 23-year-old won his club’s player of the season award after grabbing 11 goals and ten assists this season and received his first two caps in March,

Gordon’s total goal contributions, while impressive, is still less than players such as Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Jarrod Bowen, all of whom equally feel they deserve to head to their first ever international tournament.

However, a deeper look at the details behind Gordon’s performances may be enough to elevate him above his rivals in the race to Germany and potentially lead England to glory.

Big game Gordon could prove the difference maker in the clutch

Gordon surprised many with his breakout season, having initially come under criticism for his lacklustre displays after joining Newcastle in January 2023 for €45 million.

But the winger has proven to be the difference maker in his 35 Premier League appearances for Newcastle this season, never going more than three games without providing a goal or an assist.

STATS

Anthony Gordon

AM (CRL)

Newcastle Utd.

Anthony Gordon

AM (CRL)

Newcastle Utd.

Premier League

2023/24

• 34

  Games

• 10

  Goals

• 11

  Assists

View all stats

Not only has Gordon been a consistent and reliable presence in an injury-plagued campaign for Newcastle but he has also come up clutch against the best teams in the league, with 11 of his 21 goal contributions coming against the ‘big six’.

DON'T MISS: Euro 2024 most assists: Saka and De Bruyne among the favourites

No player won more penalties last season, with Gordon having been brought down six times in the box and his craftiness at buying a foul could prove effective in tight affairs, at least as a substitute against tired defenders.

A fearless mentality and the ability to play in a direct manner against the best teams, all while providing hard work in defence and versatility all across the front line, would be a priceless asset to have for Southgate.

While there are plenty players capable of emulating his creativity and output, the mental resilience and intelligence to Gordon’s game should be enough to guarantee him a spot in Southgate’s squad next month.