Newcastle United have had a difficult follow-up season after qualifying for the Champions League in 2022/23. That excellent achievement has certainly boosted the profile of several players in Eddie Howe’s squad. There is certainly a chance that a select few will feature in the forthcoming Euro 2024 tournament in mid-June despite an injury-ravaged campaign.
Anthony Gordon Gets Turbo Boost to England From the Toon
The most notable Toon star who has pushed himself forward in recent times is Anthony Gordon. With Euro squads set to be upped from 23 to 26, the forward impressed on debut in the recent friendly against Brazil at Wembley in March. This has kickstarted a resurgence in the EPL with a double-figure return. The former Everton flyer has reaped the benefit. “My confidence has been boosted massively, just being able to test myself at the highest level and I felt really good at that level so my confidence is really high,” said the dynamic 23-year-old.
Gordon’s numbers are good. Whether he would be considered as a wild card in-game by Southgate is another matter. There’s always a goal and a huge amount of energy and pace about him.
Trippier The Lion King: A Defensive Animal
Kieran Tripper is the real Gareth Southgate security guard at full-back. After weeks out with a calf injury, the 33-year-old is expected to make an imminent return to the ranks for the final few games. Once that happens, he’s almost a shoo-in for Germany to boost England’s position as one of the hot Euro 2024 betting tips. Southgate called him a “defensive animal” and there is nothing that will stop the loyalty card this time around. Trippier’s attitude was honed at Atletico Madrid and that toughness will serve the Three Lions in their quest.
The full-back may well gain a 50th cap in Euro 2024 should the team advance beyond the group stage. He may have made some more mistakes this season than previous, but Southgate has his favourites. Just ask Harry Maguire. However, the veteran has someone else quite close to home in mind to take over from. Tino Livramento has excelled for the Toon Army in a difficult season. “He’s versatile, right-back, left-back, like myself. He’ll be unbelievable for Newcastle in the future, and an England right-back as well – that is how highly I rate him,” said Trippier.
Callum Wilson is Proven But Match Fit?
Callum Wilson would have been a certainty if he hadn’t picked up a pectoral injury a couple of months ago. He scores a goal every two games for the Magpies. The hugely impressive Ollie Watkins and recently returned Ivan Toney have stolen a march on the 32-year-old in the current race for a place. Even Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted two years ago: “The only thing that has stopped him being regularly in that squad is injuries. He will be looking to stay fit and contribute goals for us, and if he does that he will elevate himself back into Gareth’s thinking, for sure.” It might be that the best way for Wilson to re-enter the debate is through injury to others.
It is also unlikely that Nick Pope, out of the team for now almost four months with a dislocated shoulder, will make the squad. Although Pope is not great on distribution in the manner of Jordan Pickford, he will always be on Southgate’s radar.
The upshot is that Slovakian No. 1 Martin Dubravka has had far more games in preparation for the tournament. He has certainly been busy in the Toon goal and will be favourite to start the group games against Belgium, Ukraine and Romania.
Scotland the Brave Considers Elliott Anderson and Ryan Fraser
Scotland boss Steve Clarke was one happy man when Elliot Anderson chose to represent the Tartan Army over England last year. The Newcastle midfielder ended up pulling out of the qualifier against Cyprus after a knock. The 21-year-old is hot property and could still be part of the squad if his manager looks beyond the immediate future.
Ryan Fraser could also be in the running for a Scotland recall after UEFA increased the squad size. Bologna’s Lewis Ferguson is set to miss the competition and Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey are doubtful. Clarke could look to utilise Championship star Fraser who is on loan at Southampton from Newcastle.
Newcastle United have experienced the highs and lows of the new European adventure. That barrage of games and elevated status means that they now supply global nations with considerable talent for tournaments around the world. It remains to be seen how many get on the plane and affect the results in Germany.
