Anthony Gordon has been on media duties for England this week, discussing a host of topics alongside Lee Carsley ahead of England’s 7.45pm clash with Greece tonight.
Ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s arrival as the new Three Lions boss, Gordon revealed how close he came to signing for the German at Chelsea; who bid £60m for the winger six months before his £45m switch to Newcastle United in January 2023.
Gordon admits he was “desperate” to sign at the time and eager to work with the former Bayern boss, who he’ll finally get to work with in the New Year:
“I spoke to him (Tuchel) after the game, when I played for Everton and we played Chelsea. I shook his hand. That was about it. He said some really complimentary things to me, which I’ll keep to myself. But, yeah, I spoke to him and I felt a lot of warmth from him, which then made me really want to play for him. I didn’t get that chance.”
“It was quite close to be honest. I was desperate to go at the time and work with him, especially. I felt like my style would suit his style of play, the way he was playing at Chelsea which was very exciting for me.”
“It was a big opportunity for me that didn’t end up happening and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later.”
On the injury front, the winger limped off in the second half of our 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, leaving some surprised that he did not withdraw from international duty this week.
However, Gordon insists it never crossed his mind to pull out of the squad, revealing that England staff have helped treat his hip issue to make ensure he’s fit to face Greece and the Republic of Ireland over the next week:
“No, that wasn’t a possibility [to drop out of this England squad]. I came here to get assessed and see how it is.
“The staff here thought they could help me with the injury. They have done that. They have done an excellent job because I have been training straight away.
“It [the hip problem] has gone to a certain extent, now. It is an injury I had a couple of weeks ago, it stayed with me a little bit, but there was no chance I would not come here.
“Newcastle United know how I feel about playing for England and knew my wishes anyway but it was more about coming here and getting assessed to see how I was. If I was fit to play. Obviously if I’m fit, I’m going to play for England.”
On that support he receives from Newcastle, Gordon added: “My manager Eddie Howe loves England. When I go back he always congratulates me on every cap I get. It’s good to have that support from him. He’s English, he wants to see England win.”
