Anthony Gordon Stays Committed to England Call-Up Despite Hip Injury, as Kane Criticizes Club Prioritization
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has firmly stated that he never considered withdrawing from England’s squad ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland, despite nursing a lingering hip injury.
England, currently aiming for promotion to League A, will face Greece away on Thursday, followed by a home clash with Ireland at Wembley on Sunday. The pressure on the team has intensified as nine players, including notable names like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, have pulled out of the squad due to injuries.
Gordon, however, remains resolute in his decision to stay. Speaking to British media on Wednesday, he explained, “No, that wasn’t a possibility. I came here to get assessed and see how it is, and the staff here thought they could help me with the injury. And they have done that, to be fair. They’ve done an excellent job because I’ve been training straight away.”
He added that although the hip issue had lingered from a previous match, he was determined to represent England and dismissed any notion of backing out. “It’s an injury I had a couple of weeks ago, but there was no chance I would not come here.”
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Gordon sustained the hip injury during Newcastle’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, where he was eventually substituted due to the discomfort. Yet, his commitment to England was unwavering, with the winger confident that the national team’s medical staff could manage the injury while allowing him to contribute on the pitch.
Adding fuel to the discussion, England captain Harry Kane expressed his disappointment over the high number of squad withdrawals. Kane, who has long been an advocate for prioritizing national duty over club commitments, emphasized his stance by stating, “Country must always come before club football”.
His comments have highlighted a growing concern about the club-versus-country debate, especially as international tournaments and league commitments become increasingly demanding on players.
Under interim coach Lee Carsley, England’s national team is positioned second in Nations League Group B2, with nine points. They have experienced a mixed run, including a home loss to group leaders Greece, who remain undefeated with four wins from four matches.
For England, the two upcoming games are crucial not only for promotion hopes but also for morale as they grapple with injuries that could impact team performance. Gordon’s commitment, in this context, serves as a rallying point for a squad working through unexpected setbacks.
As England prepares to face Greece and Ireland, Gordon’s dedication could provide a spark of resilience amid the lineup changes. For fans and critics alike, his choice to play on, despite injury, aligns with the national team’s tradition of fighting spirit. The coming matches will test not only England’s tactical strength but also the resolve of players like Gordon, who have answered the call despite the physical toll.