NEWCASTLE'S Anthony Gordon is ready to take his England Euro 2024 chance if Gareth Southgate gives him the nod against Slovakia.
Despite playing just two minutes of football in Germany, Gordon insists he would be ready if called upon to play a part in Sunday’s last-16 clash with Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen.
Gordon had to nurse an ankle injury late in the campaign but is now fully fit and itching for his opportunity.
Southgate has some decisions to make ahead of Sunday's knock-out tie, with his side having underwhelmed so far in Germany. Chelsea's Cole Palmer is also pushing for a start.
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“I’m very up to speed,” said Gordon.
“Before the Iceland game (ahead of the Euros) I had the ankle injury which kept me out of the last week or two of the season.
“I had some time off to recover. In the Iceland game I felt a bit rusty and tired but from then on I’ve felt great. In the past week or two I couldn’t have done any more than I have in training.
“It means everything to me, for me it is the pinnacle of football – to represent your country at a tournament doesn’t get much bigger. Especially as a nation and the players we have, you have to do so well to get to this point.
“I am here now and want to keep on going and establish myself in the team as someone the manager can’t drop. I’m not there yet and have so much to do to get there.
“My main strengths are I am very direct, I’m obviously quick. I know I am a nightmare for anyone that I play against.
“I’m positive. Every time I get the ball, I always want to make something happen. I’m not a very safe player, I am always going for it. I am always trying to put people on the back foot.
“With players we have got – the likes of H (Harry Kane), who likes to drop deep – I think I add a different element to the team.”
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