Newcastle boss Eddie Howe backs match-winner Anthony Gordon to call up England after beating Man United

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has backed Anthony Gordon for an England call-up after scoring his side’s winner against Manchester United on Saturday night.

Gordon took his season tally to six with a 55th-minute close-range strike as Newcastle deservedly beat United.

And manager Howe believes the 22-year-old is doing enough to attract Southgate’s attention. „He’s playing at the highest level he’s been this season,” Howe said.

’From the first day he arrived at the club, you could see the passion he had and his desire to achieve and succeed.

’He does the job every day and sometimes we have to go and take him off the training pitch.

„I’m up against a great defender today [Aaron] Van-Pissagha was very good again, physically he was very good today. A good battle was fought between the two.

’He’s getting goals and if you’re going to break into the England team competitively you need the headlines.’

Gordon called it a 'fantastic win’ and praised his teammates for overcoming the pain barrier with 'kicks and bruises’.

„Today’s victory is surprising,” he said. 'It’s been a big week for us, some good moments, some tough moments but we got through it as a team. The same XI played three games on the bounce and we drew.

’Certainly the result we drew with the same team makes it very satisfying. Not only is the youngster injured, the players have kicks and bruises, and I’m limping.

„It’s very satisfying because we know how hard we work for each other, so to win today is huge.”

Meanwhile, Howe and Southgate were hit with goalkeeper Nick Pope suffering a dislocated shoulder. „We’ll seek an expert’s opinion, but it’s not good,” Howe said.