'Real' reason behind Anthony Gordon's Euro 2024 snub by Gareth Southgate revealed

The real reason behind Anthony Gordon's Euro 2024 snub has been identified after a summer of confusion.

Gordon, 23, played just two minutes for England in Germany, as the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Spain in this year's final.

Many supporters were left surprised by his omission, especially given his electric form for Newcastle United across the 2023/24 campaign.

Gordon scored 12 goals and registered 11 assists as the likes of Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford were left out the final squad by Southgate.

But with his focus seemingly elsewhere, the 'real' reason behind his summer snub has been revealed.

According to Telegraph Sport, England boss Southgate is said to have felt Gordon was more focused on his rumoured move to Liverpool than his endeavours at international level.

A proposed transfer to the club he supported as a kid never materialised and thus the Liverpudlian remained at St James' Park.

Having only scored one goal so far this season, the report also indicates how Gordon has still not fully recovered from the disappointment of missing out on the move.

"Former England manager Gareth Southgate was well aware the player was distracted by the talk and Telegraph Sport understands this was one of the reasons he was not involved more at the Euros," wrote Luke Edwards.

"Gordon played a handful of minutes in the group stage as a substitute and did not appear again.

"Gordon was swiftly informed by Newcastle that he was not for sale, at any price, and that he must bury any disappointment he felt at not getting his move to Anfield."

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For the 23-year-old a lacklustre display against Fulham recently was summed up by his 83rd-minute withdrawal.

Harvey Barnes' return from injury will also be a cause for concern, given the forward already has three goals to his name.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe spoke about Gordon's future in the summer admitting the winger had remained focused on his career at the club.

“[There have been] no distractions," said Howe. “He’s been really impressive [in training].

"His focus has been on his work and his fitness, everything to do with this football club, nothing else,

“I’m confident he is okay. We’ve had no conversations over the summer where it has been fractious or negative.

“He’s always been the Anthony Gordon who has given absolutely everything to Newcastle. He’s such an important player for us."