Anthony Gordon admits he wasn’t ‘fit enough’ to play in Eddie Howe’s team when he first arrived in January, but is getting “back into a really good place” after starring at the U21 European Championships.
The winger has made an appearance in every group game and grabbed a goal and an assist as the young Three Lions team topped their group in the U21 Euros. He was on the bench last night, but came on in a 2-0 win over Germany.
Prior to the final group game against Israel, Gordon admitted that his fitness levels weren’t high enough for Howe’s ‘intense’ style of play – he started only a handful of Premier League games last season and his comments perhaps explain why.
However, the 22-year-old is hoping to improve as the tournament continues despite still feeling quite tired after 70-75 minutes.
Asked about his lack of starts since sealing a £45m move from Everton, Gordon said:
“That was based on me not feeling fit enough during games for Newcastle, with the way we play and the way the manger wants us to play, which is so intense.
“I felt like I could use this tournament to really push myself to go back into a really good place.
“I’m still getting tired around 70-75 minutes so I feel like the longer the tournament goes on, I’ll feel better and fitter.”
There’s certainly a feeling within the fanbase that we are yet to see the best of the former Evertonian and it will be exciting to see if he can fulfil his potential with a full pre-season behind him.
Watch his goal in England’s win over Israel via the highlight video below:
