England star gives 'selfish' Gareth Southgate verdict after links to Man Utd

Anthony Gordon says he selfishly wants Gareth Southgate to remain England's manager following links to the Manchester United job. United are expected to keep Erik ten Hag in charge next season but Southgate had been tipped as his potential successor.

If the former Ajax coach was to be axed, it was thought Southgate would be a potential replacement for the Red Devils. The 53-year-old coach has not managed in the Premier League since leaving Middlesbrough in 2009 but is admired by INEOS.

He has been the England manager for eight years, building a close-knit squad that reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020 on home soil. They enter this summer’s Euros as one of the favourites.

And despite some criticism of Southgate following England's 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley in their final warm-up friendly, Newcastle winger Gordon is a massive believer in his methods.

Southgate has suggested he is likely to leave his post if England do not win Euro 2024 with his contract expiring this December. The Football Association are eager for him to sign a new deal but he has hinted at a desire to test himself at club level again.

Gordon, 23, who was given his international debut by Southgate in March, said: "From a selfish point I would want him to stay. I love working with him and his staff.

"From my youth journey with England, the way they have transitioned the whole set-up from youth to senior level has been absolutely amazing. And I don't think he gets the credit he deserves."

Gordon is loving life in the England camp over in Germany, with the team based at the Weimarer Land Spa & Golf Resort in Blankenhain. The luxurious facilities include a private golf course, spa, padel tennis and basketball courts.

Gordon added: "The basecamp is unbelievable. Honestly, I wish you could see it. We have everything we could ask for, absolutely everything and we couldn't have asked for anything better.

"It's a great place to be, because when you come away from home, away from your family for so long - hopefully - you need that base and start to make it a home from home. We've definitely got that."

The forward, who ended his first full Newcastle season with 12 goals and 11 assists, is buzzing to be a part of an international tournament for the first time.

He said: "I feel really good. It's been a big day of travelling, obviously a lot of excitement getting on the plane and getting here and then the first session.

"I thought I did alright. I hadn’t touched the ball for four weeks so I felt a bit rusty especially around the final third. I did a couple of mistakes I wouldn't normally do but it is better doing then rather than in a tournament.

"A few people have said it where the squad has never been so competitive in terms of everyone is in form and everyone has come here in a really good place. There is definitely competition for places. Everyone is going to be at their best to try and play.

"I'd love to start but I'll be ready no matter what. What I'm asked to do, I'll be ready."