No Free Rides - The Under-Performing England 'Star' Who Needs To Be Replaced ASAP

He's Dropping A Stinker

Whether you have had good seasons in the past or not, if a player is dropping a stinker, then they have to be called out for it.

Football fans can be the most critical at the best of times, but sometimes it is justified, and it could make all the difference for that player.

Anthony Gordon is having his worst season to date, and we here at Football Park would love if he could change that, as the World Cup is creeping around the corner.

It has been over a year since Gordon has scored a league goal from open play. Not only is this a very worrying statistic, but also his overall output has been quite close to shocking, and his confidence is at an all-time low.

Newcastle fans are becoming frustrated with the lack of output from Gordon, and realistically, he should find his way to the bench. Perhaps it's the English connection between Eddie Howe and Gordon himself keeping him on the pitch. Whatever it is, Gordon is finding himself lucky to be starting every week.

It's been over a year since Anthony Gordon scored a league goal from open play ❌🫣 pic.twitter.com/UcblVbloVF

— LiveScore (@livescore) January 18, 2026

What's Not Working?

Despite his poor league form, Europe has seen a different side to Gordon. His six-goal tally in the Champions League has equalled club legend Alan Shearer's record for the most goals scored in the competition.

Whilst these goals are important in ensuring Newcastle stay in the competition, the club knows they have a slim chance of winning it, so his output in the league is more valuable.

What Gordon brings to the left-hand side of Newcastle's attack has been relentless pressing, directness, and runs in behind the defence. His key qualities are still on show in Newcastle's system, but his end product has been poor, and he has been extremely one-dimensional.

His pressing, high-intensity running and sprints per game have dropped by quite a big margin since his last two seasons. Whether it's Howe changing the system slightly or not, Isak's move to Liverpool could be playing a big part in Gordon's drop-off.

The two linked up very well together, and Isak was excellent at dropping in with Gordon making the run in behind. There is no doubt that Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade are both good strikers, but the connection isn't there yet.

His Replacements Are Right There

Another issue for Gordon is that his teammate Harvey Barnes has been miles ahead of him this season, and that he is probably feeling the pressure. Barnes already has five goals to his name, and he is also a fan favourite.

Recently, Gordon has operated on the left wing and Barnes on the right, which is frustrating Newcastle fans, as Barnes is better on the left. His position is being sacrificed, for Gordon has Newcastle fans believe that Howe is afraid of Gordon having a tantrum if he is playing out of position.

Summer signing Anthony Elanga has only started seven of the 19 games he has played, and whilst he has yet to deliver goals and assists, he hasn't had a run of games in the team like Gordon has. His time at Nottingham Forest showed the amount of quality he has if he is used correctly.

It is time for Howe to be much bolder and to drop Gordon to play Barnes on the left and Elanga on the right. It is quite clear to see and would give Gordon the idea that if he can't provide any attacking output, then he has to ride the bench.

🇸🇪 ​It’s been a tough start for Anthony Elanga after his £55m move from Nottingham Forest. With just 1 assist in 26 games and a recent injury layoff, the pressure is building.

​But Eddie Howe is urging fans to stay patient, pointing to Anthony Gordon and Joelinton as proof that… pic.twitter.com/RN2jRsWiIn

— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) January 16, 2026

His Chances For England Are Slipping Away

It is more likely than not Thomas Tuchel will probably take Gordon to this summer's World Cup. He has been good enough for England during his 16 caps for his country, and Tuchel clearly is a fan of him, as he has picked him for most of his past squads.

But based on this season's performances, he would be lucky to make the 26-man squad. He is lucky enough that there aren't too many players ahead of him.

Marcus Rashford is the clear favourite to start on the left for England, with Eberechi Eze as a potential backup. Other than that, Gordon is the most likely option to play behind either of those two. Gordon can also operate as the number nine, which is helping his case even more, as England has somewhat of a striker crisis if Harry Kane were to get injured.

His Newcastle teammate Harvey Barnes could be in with a shout if he continues his form for Newcastle and potentially replaces Gordon on the left.

It is definitely one to keep an eye on, and Newcastle fans are hoping that either Gordon bucks his ideas up or Howe sticks him on the bench. Either way, Gordon could see himself out the Tyneside door this summer. It would be a shock if clubs pay the £50 million price tag, though.