Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Anthony Gordon should replace Marcus Rashford in the England team.
Anthony Gordon has been in sensational form in the 2023/24 season. The 22-year-old has been putting in some impressive performances for Newcastle United since the start of the campaign. And, on the back of his performances, Arsenal legend Martin Keown feels he should be a part of the England squad for the upcoming international break.
With the second international break of the new season approaching, Gareth Southgate will have a tough task of choosing his squad. Given the current form of some young players, the England boss does have a lot to think about.
Keown wants Southgate to give Gordon an opportunity to be a part of the England squad. The 22-year-old has done wonders for the England Under-21 side, and the former Arsenal defender believes he should go up the ranks and now be a part of the main squad.
When asked about who Gordon should replace in the England squad, Keown said that the Newcastle United winger should get a nod ahead of Marcus Rashford.
"He's deserving of making the next step!" 👏
"I'd take Rashford out of the England squad." 👀
Martin Keown reveals he would replace Marcus Rashford with Anthony Gordon for England. pic.twitter.com/gnpOdffZvk
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 29, 2023
The Manchester United forward has been a regular feature in the England squad under Southgate. But the 57-year-old feels the former Everton winger is a better overall player and that he should be rewarded for his recent performances with a place in the England team.
While speaking on talkSPORT Keown said, “He has to come into Gareth Southgate’s thought process. He comes into a squad. I’m not suggesting he starts ahead of Grealish, or Saka, or Foden. But certainly, if there is a process, where you play for 21s and then come into the first-team, he has to be in consideration.”
“I would take Marcus Rashford out of the England squad for the next one.The competition is steep in those positions. On the left-hand side, ok Rashford gives you that explosion of pace but I think as an all-round game, he’s improved enormously. It’s early days for him and he’s a player who hasn’t always applied himself. There has to be a pathway from 21s to the full-team.”
The 57-year-old feels Rashford has explosive pace and can do the damage from the left using that. But, when it comes to the overall game, Gordon has improved himself enormously in the recent past and he seems to be better in that sense.
Keown feels there should be a defined pathway for the Under-21 players to make the leap into the national team. Such an opportunity could do English football a lot of good in years to come.
The 22-year-old joined Newcastle United in the last winter transfer window for a fee of £45 million. He has gone from strength to strength since making the move. As far as the ongoing season is concerned, Gordon has featured in six Premier League games and has contributed towards four goals. He is in sensational form and will surely be considered by England manager Southgate.
