Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will have been privately delighted watching England beat Serbia 5-0 on Tuesday night.
He saw the Three Lions produce their best performance of the Thomas Tuchel era, ruthlessly putting five past Serbia to move a step closer towards World Cup qualification.
Eddie Howe will also have seen two of his Newcastle United players start and impress, with Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento named in the starting lineup.
The latter received a lot of praise, with the national media complimenting Livramento for his display.
There was also praise for Gordon, who played 69 minutes before being replaced by Marcus Rashford. Paul Robinson called Gordon ‘outstanding’, and Howe will have been particularly pleased to see the 24-year-old get so many minutes under his belt.
Anthony Gordon runs with the ball next to Noni Madueke during Serbia vs England.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel’s Anthony Gordon decision will delight Eddie Howe
When it is the international break, clubs always have their fingers crossed that their players return injury-free.
When it comes to Gordon, Eddie Howe will have wanted him to play as much football as possible.
That is because the 24-year-old is currently suspended domestically after his red card against Liverpool.
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Gordon missed the draw with Leeds, and will also be absent on Saturday when Wolves arrive at St James’ Park.
However, the Scouser will be available to play in the Champions League against Barcelona on 18th September. That is why Howe will have been so happy to see Tuchel name Gordon in his starting XI on Tuesday night.
It gave Gordon the opportunity to retain his sharpness, having seen his start to the season derailed by ill-discipline.
Tuchel has done the Newcastle United manager a massive favour with such a huge Champions League encounter on the horizon.
Will Anthony Gordon start for Newcastle United against Barcelona?
Having got plenty of minutes for England, including a start against Serbia, Howe should have no qualms about thrusting Gordon into his starting XI against Barcelona.
It is the type of game that should see Gordon thrive. He was outstanding when Newcastle beat PSG in their last Champions League campaign, with his relentless energy and bursting passion resonating with an electric Toon Army inside St James’ Park.
It should be a similar night against Barcelona, and one that should result in Gordon being named in Howe’s starting XI.
That decision has been made much easier by his England exploits, so thank you Thomas Tuchel.