Anthony Gordon dismissed Alan Shearer for Bukayo Saka when choosing his favourite all-time England star.
Anthony Gordon picked Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka over Alan Shearer when choosing his all-time best England player.
Newcastle United supporters, unsurprisingly, were left questioning the decision on social media. While also a Toon legend, Shearer enjoyed a stellar international career, bagging the Golden Boot with five goals at Euro 96.
As for Saka, he has helped the Three Lions reach two Euro finals and a World Cup quarter-final under Gareth Southgate. The 24-year-old’s darkest moment came in the 2021 final - when he missed the decisive spot-kick and was targeted by vile racist trolls.
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Anthony Gordon snubs Alan Shearer
In a clip for DAZN, Gordon chose Steven Gerrard as his best England player following a “knockout" format. He picked the Liverpool legend over David Beckham in the final bracket.
However, Newcastle fans were quick to notice a first-round elimination for Shearer, with Saka getting to nod. While the two are teammates, some have questioned whether the recent public feud was on Gordon’s mind.
Anthony Gordon and Alan Shearer spat
Tensions rose when Shearer questioned Gordon’s illness following the 1-1 draw with Barcelona. Eddie Howe later clarified that he made the decision not the start the 25-year-old for the Champions League clash.
Just three days later, Gordon had his chance to respond after scoring the winner against Chelsea. Firing back at the critics, he said: “Usually I don't like to clear stuff up because I don't care too much. But this one does need clearing up because it was just nonsense. Saying I didn't want to play in the biggest game of my career is absolute nonsense."
This provoked Gary Lineker to tease Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast. Acknowledging Gordon’s retaliation, Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer doubled down on his illness claims.
“Good, I love it!” Shearer said. “That’s fine. You always get the chance, the right to reply as a player. I wouldn’t change anything I said the other night against Barcelona. Illness wouldn’t have kept me out for a game. I know he said it was the manager’s (decision).”
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