Jamie Carragher says Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon will be frustrated when he sees what’s happened with Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
Anthony Gordon, 22, is enjoying an excellent individual season in Newcastle colours.
The £45million winger (BBC) is still yet to force his way into England’s senior squad, but he’s lighting up the Premier League with his recent performances. Unfortunately, this included a goal and assist in Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Chelsea at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Cole Palmer is another young English talent excelling at a top-flight club.
The 21-year-old’s form since a summer move to Stamford Bridge has led to an England senior call-up and debut.
Gordon and Palmer have played together in England’s Under-21s side, but it’s the latter who’s been fast-tracked into Gareth Southgate’s senior international squad.
Jamie Carragher has explained why Newcastle’s in-form attacker may be somewhat angry by what’s happened with Chelsea’s left-footed playmaker.
The pundit has predicted a potential battle between the youngsters for a spot in England’s squad for Euro 2024 next summer.
Carragher told Sky Sports: “Now, Cole Palmer was in the last squad. He’s been outstanding since he went to Chelsea, but if you actually go back to the summer where this great form for Anthony Gordon actually started, you can probably go back to the Under-21 tournament in the summer where England won the tournament, he was the best player. Cole Palmer was actually on the bench.
“So in some ways, Cole Palmer has actually superseded him in terms of getting into the England squad which maybe is a little bit harsh or he might feel a little hard done by, Anthony Gordon, considering what he’s done for the national team in the summer.
“But, for me, if he continues how he’s going I think it could be a toss-up between him and Cole Palmer because, for whatever reason, Raheem Sterling doesn’t feel like he’s going to get back into the squad.”
Cole Palmer now has extra pressure
Palmer had a rare off-game in Chelsea’s defeat at the weekend, which was the same for all his teammates.
The right-winger, who loves to drift into central pockets, now has extra expectation on his shoulders after becoming a senior England international.
Remarkably, speaking via BBC Sport last week, Elton John showered Palmer with praise for his individual quality.
The Chelsea star will become more of a household name if he keeps delivering on the pitch, but let’s remember he’s still very young and inexperienced.
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