Here are the latest Newcastle United headlines for Monday, June 26, 2023.
Gordon continues to shine
Newcastle United will benefit from Anthony Gordon's England Under-21 experience, with the former Everton striker offering Lee Carsley's side a different option. Gordon has been used as a centre forward by U21 boss Carsley and netted a striker's header on Sunday as the Young Lions saw off Israel's youngsters. The 22-year-old's new-found freedom through the middle has worked wonders so far and will no doubt be giving Eddie Howe food for thought ahead of Newcastle's pre-season work.
Explaining why he has started using Gordon as England's focal point, Carsley explained: "We’ve tried to come up with two or three ways of exploiting the opposition. We’ll try and find gaps and spaces. It surprises me that there is surprise (at his team selection). The players nowadays are multi-functional.
READ MORE: Gordon and Tonali star as Newcastle star and transfer target both impress at U21 Euros
"I see that we’ve got a lot of players within this squad that can do different roles. Part of the squad selection was having that flexibility to play with a different kind of nine (striker).
"I see pretty much any of the forward players, whether they’re wide players or forwards, being able to do that nine. You get a different type of nine with Anthony than you would with Cole (Palmer) or Curtis (Jones) or Emile (Smith Rowe). We’ve got plenty of options."
Tonali backed for success
Paolo Di Canio may have made himself public enemy number one on Tyneside back in the day but the former AC Milan star and Sunderland boss has backed Newcastle United-bound Sandro Tonali to 'explode' in the Premier League
The Italian caused carnage back in 2013 after celebrating his second game in charge, a 3-0 win over Newcastle, by knee-sliding down the St James' Park touchline. Di Canio isn't looked on favourably for his antics that day but knows a thing or two about Serie A stars joining the English game and is confident Tonali will represent a good bit of business when Newcastle complete the transfer.
“I hope Tonali explodes soon, but he will find a physical football, with more pace. Potentially he will replace [Sean] Longstaff,” Di Canio told Sky Sport Italia last week.
