EDDIE Howe has backed Anthony Gordon to put his England frustrations from the summer to good use and kick on for Newcastle United this season.

On the back of an outstanding season on Tyneside, Gordon was delighted to be called up to the England squad for the European Championship, only to end up kicking his heels as a fringe player in Germany.

Gordon played just a single minute, despite England's struggle in the early stages of the tournament.

And although he hasn't yet hit top gear for the Magpies this season after linking up with the squad late in the summer, Howe has urged the Scouser to take his game to the next level in the months ahead.

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"I wouldn't say I had to raise his spirits but of course I spoke with him and we had many conversations over the summer," said Howe.

"I think it’s re-aligning thought processes, it’s being positive about the next stage of your career.

“Sometimes you can have a hangover from something negative, not that Anthony was in that position, but it’s always about your next challenge, moment and how you’re going to start the season and take all of the momentum that he built last season into this one.

“This is a big season for him in his career. You don’t get many second chances in your career, the years go so quickly and I can vouch for that, so he’s still young and developing but he needs to maximise every moment.

“He is the type of character that wants to do that. He’s very committed to his next dream and aim and that’s to have a great season with us.”

With Lee Carsley having replaced Southgate, Gordon played a key role for England in the last fortnight, starting and impressing in the wins over Ireland and Finland.

Howe said: “I think he’ll be in a good place from them two games and it will have helped his fitness.

“I said he needed games at this moment and having a two-week break would not have helped his physically. So he’ll be boosted by that.”