FA release statement hinting at 'golden' England opportunity for Newcastle United star

The coast is clear for Anthony Gordon to stake his claim at Euro 2024 after Phil Foden temporarily withdrew from the England squad.

An FA statement confirmed the Manchester City ace would leave the Three Lions camp due to a “pressing personal matter” - understood to be the birth of his third child - leaving the door open for him to return later in the tournament. It remains unclear whether Foden will be back in time for England’s last 16 tie on Sunday.

Even if he were, the 24-year-old would not have trained with the rest of Gareth Southgate’s squad all week. That could open the door for Newcastle United winger Gordon to muscle into the left-wing conversation.

The Toon talisman was given just two minutes plus stoppage time in the Three Lions’ drab 0-0 draw with Slovenia. In the little time he played, Gordon started England’s best move of the game, with Cole Palmer almost clinching a last-gasp winner.

Foden has also been criticised for his displays on the left flank - a position he rarely plays for Man City. The stars may have aligned for Gordon to be thrown into the action for the knockout stages.

Speaking post-match, the former Everton wideman spoke honestly about the Three Lions needing to be more direct. Gordon said: “I just think we can do so much better. That's the problem. We've got such good players. In training, we're so good every day. 

“We do everything right. And then it's just not clicking. Hopefully, in the coming games, it will (click) because we need to start really attacking teams and dominating games. I don't think it's nerves. I mean, we've all played on big stages for a while. 

“So I don't think nerves are the best thing to put it down to. I just think football is like that sometimes. I think we're controlling games really well, we keep the ball well. But that direct approach, causing problems and going for teams, is probably what we're missing.”