Gordon Withdraws from England Squad After Hip Injury

Anthony Gordon has been forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Latvia due to a hip injury. The Newcastle winger, who has been in fine form for both his club and country, suffered the injury after coming on as a substitute during England’s 2-0 victory over Albania at Wembley on Friday. The news of Gordon’s injury is a blow to England’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as the 24-year-old had been an important part of Gareth Southgate’s squad.

Injury Update: Gordon’s Hip Concern

Gordon, who was introduced late in the game for Marcus Rashford, sustained the injury during his brief appearance on the pitch. His involvement in England’s opening World Cup qualifier was a significant moment, as it marked his 10th cap for the Three Lions. However, after the match, concerns about Gordon’s health began to surface.

England manager Gareth Southgate, along with the medical staff, expressed their worry over Gordon’s condition, and the winger underwent a scan on Saturday to assess the severity of the injury. The results of the scan indicated that the injury was a cause for concern, prompting the decision to withdraw Gordon from the squad.

The Impact of Gordon’s Withdrawal on England’s World Cup Campaign

🚨 Anthony Gordon withdraws from England squad through injury –

Gordon’s absence is undoubtedly a setback for Southgate’s squad as they prepare for Monday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Latvia. The winger had been expected to play an important role in England’s attack alongside the likes of Rashford, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka. His pace, creativity, and directness on the ball make him a valuable asset in England’s offensive setup, and his withdrawal leaves a gap in the squad that will need to be filled.

While Gordon’s injury is a blow to England’s immediate plans, it is hoped that the injury is not serious and that he will recover in time for future international fixtures. For now, Southgate will be forced to look elsewhere for a replacement, which could give other players an opportunity to step up and make an impact for the national team.

Gordon’s Impressive International Progress

Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon withdraws from England squad with injury

The injury to Gordon comes at a time when the Newcastle winger has been making significant strides in his international career. Since earning his first cap for England, Gordon has impressed with his performances, earning a regular spot in Southgate’s squad. His form for Newcastle has been one of the key reasons for his call-up, and he has quickly become a player that the England manager trusts in big matches.

Gordon’s pace and dribbling ability have made him a threat on the wing, and his versatility allows him to play in a variety of attacking positions. The 24-year-old’s performances for Newcastle have also caught the eye of Southgate, who sees Gordon as an important part of the squad for the upcoming World Cup campaign. Despite his young age, Gordon’s maturity and tactical understanding of the game have set him apart as one of England’s rising stars.

Southgate’s Options Without Gordon

With Gordon now out of the squad, Southgate will need to assess his options for the match against Latvia. The withdrawal of Gordon leaves a vacancy on the wing, and there are several potential candidates who could step into the role. Players such as Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and James Maddison are all capable of providing attacking options in Gordon’s absence. Southgate will have to weigh up the strengths of these players and decide who best complements the rest of the squad.

Grealish, known for his dribbling and creativity, could be a direct replacement for Gordon, offering a similar threat on the left wing. Foden, who is known for his versatility, could also be an option to add flair and technical ability in the attack. Maddison, who has been in excellent form for Leicester City, may also be an option to play further forward and provide creativity in the final third.

Southgate will also have the option to make tactical adjustments depending on the flow of the game, with players like Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling providing further depth to the squad. However, Gordon’s absence is still a significant loss, as he was a key figure in Southgate’s plans for the qualifying campaign.

Gordon’s Injury History: A Concern for Newcastle and England

This latest injury adds to concerns about Gordon’s fitness, particularly as he has had some injury issues in the past. Although not a chronic issue, Gordon has had occasional setbacks that have affected his availability for both Newcastle and England. His hip injury will be carefully monitored by the medical teams at both clubs and national teams to ensure that he returns to full fitness as quickly as possible.

Newcastle United, in particular, will be hoping that Gordon’s injury is not a serious one, as the winger has been an important part of Eddie Howe’s attacking setup this season. Gordon’s performances have been crucial to Newcastle’s ambitions in the Premier League, and his absence could have an impact on their attacking options as well.

However, the club and national team will be working closely together to ensure that Gordon’s recovery is as swift as possible, and both parties will be relieved if the injury turns out to be minor.

Looking Ahead: Gordon’s Recovery and Return

For now, Anthony Gordon will return to Newcastle for further assessment and rehabilitation. The club will take every precaution to ensure that he is given the necessary time to recover fully before returning to action. While his injury has forced him out of England’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia, it is hoped that Gordon will be fit and ready for future international fixtures, including the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.

For Gordon, this setback is a reminder of the physical demands of professional football, but his determination and work ethic suggest that he will make a strong recovery. Fans of both Newcastle and England will be hoping for a speedy recovery, and there is little doubt that Gordon will be eager to return to the pitch as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Anthony Gordon’s withdrawal from the England squad due to a hip injury is a disappointment for both the player and the national team. The 24-year-old winger had been in strong form for both his club and country and was expected to play a key role in England’s World Cup qualification campaign. However, with Gordon now out, manager Gareth Southgate will need to adjust his plans for the match against Latvia.

While this injury is certainly a setback, it is hoped that it is not a serious issue and that Gordon will make a full recovery. In the meantime, Southgate will have to rely on other attacking options to fill the gap left by Gordon’s absence. As for Gordon, his focus will now shift to recovery, with both Newcastle and England hopeful that he will return to full fitness in time for future international fixtures.