Scotland has expressed interest in securing the services of Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, who has faced recent snubs from the England national team. Despite Gordon’s contributions to England’s under-21s, including a European Championship victory, he has been overlooked by manager Gareth Southgate for upcoming matches against Malta and North Macedonia.
Having excelled at Newcastle after his move from Everton, where he notably scored against the team’s main rivals, Gordon’s exclusion from the England squad has prompted Scotland to explore the possibility of him switching allegiances. England’s wide forward options currently feature Jarrod Bowen, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden, leaving no room for Gordon. Scotland, eyeing the upcoming Euros, sees the potential value of adding a player of Gordon’s caliber to their squad.
Born in Merseyside, Gordon is eligible to play for Scotland due to his paternal grandparents. Scotland, not limiting their pursuit to Gordon alone, is reportedly interested in other English players, including Gordon’s Newcastle teammates Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento. John Carver, Scotland’s assistant manager, emphasized the importance of exploring players with Scottish relatives, recognizing the weight of decisions concerning their international future.
Carver acknowledged the club connection, stating, “Newcastle is my team, and I watch them more than anyone else. We are aware that they have a number of quality players who have never been capped by England at senior level but are eligible for Scotland.” The recent 3-1 victory by England over Scotland in an international friendly at Hampden Park showcased England’s offensive threats, including Lyndon Dykes and Ryan Christie.
As Scotland looks to strengthen its squad for future competitions, the pursuit of players with Scottish heritage remains a strategic focus, with Carver emphasizing the need for careful consideration in the players’ decision-making regarding their international future.
