With the October international break fast approaching, the England squad has been named, with Gareth Southgate selecting only one Newcastle player.
Newcastle have really turned their fortunes around, with some incredible displays from some English talent. The likes of Sean Longstaff, Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope and Anthony Gordon have all been bright sparks for the Toon army in recent weeks, so naturally we assumed that Gareth Southgate would be keeping an eye out, right?
Wrong. The England boss has yet again ignored form in his consideration of the squad and instead opted for the same players he always does. Maybe I’m naive as I shouldn’t be as shocked as I am.
Just ONE Newcastle player is named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad
Congratulations to Kieran Trippier, who is the only Newcastle player to make the squad for the upcoming international break. In fairness, he’s been a staple for the country over the last few years, so it’s not a surprise to see his call up. I mean, he’s definitely justified it in recent weeks.
To leave out Gordon is criminal. He’s worked tirelessly in the last few matches and would definitely put in the same workrate for England. Further, you could argue that Pope deserves to be given the goalkeeper slot over Aaron Ramsdale, who’s struggling for gametime at Arsenal this season.
Here it is: your #ThreeLions squad for October! 👊
— England (@England) October 5, 2023
From a glass-half-full perspective, I guess it means that we don’t risk further injuries. Given the Harvey Barnes injury, we can’t risk missing out on Anthony Gordon as well, so leaving him to train at St James Park won’t be a frustration for Eddie Howe.
In other news, read the Newcastle player ratings vs PSG by clicking here.
What do you make of the England squad, which selection has shocked you the most?