🚨REPORT : ‘I was watching’ Eddie Howe confident ‘dangerous’ Newcastle star is much fitter now

While it’s important not to be overly critical of Newcastle’s start to the season, there are surely few who would doubt that Eddie Howe’s side are not playing particularly well at the moment.

   There is obviously something to be said for the character Howe’s side have shown so far.    After a difficult summer transfer window, they have had to dig deep in all three Premier League games so far to remain unbeaten.

   Absolutely nothing to smell.

   Still, such is the quality in the Premier League, Newcastle are likely to be punished if they don’t get promoted soon.

   Anthony Gordon is key to this.    Although the winger is still creating chances and scored against Bournemouth, Howe admitted the £40m star is not yet in full form.

   Given his importance to the cause, it seems reasonable to assume that promoting Gordon greatly improves Newcastle’s chances of significantly improving their performances.

   England caretaker manager Lee Carsley labeled Gordon “dangerous” following his absence in the Nations League win over Ireland and Howe believes playing for the Three Lions will help Gordon’s fitness.

   Eddie Howe shares the latest on Anthony Gordon’s injury

   Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Wolves, Howe told a press conference (via YouTube): “Firstly, I think he’s in a great position after the two games with England. I thought he did really well.

   “I was watching, totally biased against him, hoping he had some really good games and made an impact and I know he’s very proud to play for his country, so I know those two games would mean a lot to him.

   “The confidence that the coach gave him was good to see. I think he’ll come back in a great place and I think he probably needed the games to get his fitness back. It was very difficult for him this summer, where he finished  tournament with England and had very minimal training before returning to us.

   “So hopefully we’ll see a much better Anthony in future games.”

   Anthony Gordon has something to prove this season

   While Gordon doesn’t have much to prove to Newcastle fans, a return to playing this season would certainly stick with former England manager Gareth Southgate.

   Southgate is said to have been angered by Gordon falling off his bike while using a mobile phone in Euro 2024 training, as well as some of his comments about English football at the tournament.

   While it’s impossible to say the reasons why Gordon barely appears, it certainly provides context.

   Showing Southgate what he’s been missing seems important.    The World Cup is less than two years away and Gordon can now establish himself as the England star ahead of it.