GORDON'S TOON TONIC

Summer is bringing best out of U21s star

- SIMON BIRD

ANTHONY GORDON is living up to his vow of producing a "big summer" as he looks to impress both England and Newcastle.

The £40million winger is emerging as one of the big beneficiaries of England Under-21s' three-game winning streak on the way to today's quarter-final against Portugal.

Reputations are being enhanced in the heat of the junior Euros battle, while most club team-mates are on the beach or returning to pre-season training this week.

Toon star Gordon, 22, has been used in an unusual strike position by boss Lee Carsley, who has shown tactical imagination and adventure in his moulding of the Young Lions in Georgia.

Gordon has scored, set up goals and been a part of England's fluent attacking play, which has produced 2-0 wins over the Czech Republic, Israel and Germany.