According to Anthony Gordon, there was "no chance" he would miss out on the England squad because of injury, which has seemingly cast him as part of the minority. In the countdown to tonight's potentially decisive Nations League tie against Greece in Athens - and the Wembley meeting with Republic of Ireland three days later - the interim manager, Lee Carsley, has been undermined by withdrawals, among other issues.
There were an unprecedented eight on Monday, prompting a call for reinforcements and one of them - Jarrad Branthwaite, who was moved up from the under-21s - was unable to train fully and has not travelled, his place taken by the uncapped Jarell Quansah. So call it nine. And counting, because there is the fear that there will be more before the Ireland game.
Gordon could have given it a swerve. The excuse was there. He went off in the 80th minute of Newcastle's victory at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, having felt a niggle from the hip problem he has carried. His manager, Eddie Howe, made it clear afterwards that he would be a doubt for England.
But Gordon has made it and as he prepared to win his eighth cap, the way he spoke would have delighted both Carsley and the England captain, Harry Kane, who talked of it being a tough period in the season and how "maybe there has been a taking advantage of that this week [from players] ... I don't really like it." Gordon's can-do attitude was to the fore and credit, as well, to Howe. Premier League managers have withdrawn their players for less over the years.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Bentancur to get long ban over alleged racist remark
Tottenham are resigned to Rodrigo Bentancur being given a lengthy ban of at least six matches by the Football Association for making an allegedly racist remark about Son Heung-min.
Kane faces Carsley axe Shock as captain set to be left out for crunch Greece match
Harry Kane is set to be a shock omission from Lee Carsley's England team for tonight's must-win Nations League match against Greece in Athens.
Infantino to avoid scrutiny with virtual 2026 draw
Gianni Infantino will avoid any scrutiny of the controversial decision to give the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia next month after Fifa opted to stage the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament as a virtual event.
Gordon heeds England's call as no-shows hinder Carsley
While a depleted side face tricky tests against Greece and Ireland, there will be big opportunities for some
Lawrence caps quick Chelsea comeback after Agnew's early strike
Chelsea's aspiration of claiming this season's Women's Champions League was hardly in danger as Murphy Agnew handed Celtic a shock lead.
Paul's big-money fight is a circus but the YouTuber is no clown
Despite the absurd persona, his business savvy and support of female fighters must be acknowledged
Tyson offers reminder of boxing's glory days before weary return
Former Baddest Man on the Planet is reflective but determined in open workout as he gears up for inglorious fight with YouTuber, reports
Lineker leaves second BBC presenting role
Gary Lineker has stepped down from his role as presenter of Sports Personality of the Year (Spoty), the BBC has confirmed.
Coe pulls no punches with his IOC pitch
Sebastian Coe has promised to introduce an \"uncompromising and clearcut\" policy to protect women's sport and to look into awarding prize money to all Olympic medallists if he is elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) president.
Slade vows 'not to shut up shop' against Springboks
England are looking to banish their autumn frustrations at South Africa's expense this Saturday and have vowed \"not to shut up shop\" against the reigning world champions.