Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has been forced to withdraw from international duty with England after sustaining a hip injury during the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory over Albania in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier on Friday night. The 24-year-old’s exit from the squad is a blow to both club and country, with England confirming his return to Newcastle for further medical assessment ahead of their next qualifier against Latvia on Monday.
Gordon, who has emerged as a key figure for both Newcastle and England, came off the bench in the second half at Wembley Stadium. However, his cameo was cut short when he went down in visible discomfort late in the game, clutching his hip after a challenge. He received treatment on the pitch and limped off at the final whistle, raising immediate concerns about the severity of the injury.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel addressed the incident in a post-match press conference, describing Gordon’s condition as “worrying.” “He looks injured. At first, I thought it was his stomach, but it’s his hip, and it does not look good,” Tuchel said. Scans conducted on Saturday confirmed the extent of the issue, prompting the Football Association to release a statement on Sunday morning: “Anthony Gordon has withdrawn from Three Lions camp having sustained an injury during Friday night’s 2-0 win over Albania. The forward has returned to Newcastle United for further assessment.”
The injury adds to a challenging international break for Gordon, who has been in scintillating form for Newcastle this season. With eight caps for England and a growing reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic wingers, his absence from Monday’s match against Latvia at Wembley is a setback for Tuchel’s squad as they aim to maintain momentum in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
For Newcastle, the news is equally concerning. Gordon is already suspended for their next Premier League fixture against Brentford on April 5, following an accumulation of yellow cards. However, an extended spell on the sidelines due to this hip injury could disrupt Eddie Howe’s plans further, with the Magpies chasing a strong finish to the season. The club’s medical staff will now take over his rehabilitation, though no official timeline for his recovery has been provided.
Fans and pundits alike have expressed their disappointment over Gordon’s misfortune. “He’s been electric for Newcastle this year, and you could see he was eager to make an impact for England too,” said former England striker Alan Shearer on BBC’s Match of the Day. “Hopefully, it’s not too serious, because he’s a massive player for both club and country.”
The victory over Albania marked a positive start to Tuchel’s tenure as England manager, with goals from Harry Kane and Phil Foden securing the three points. Gordon’s brief appearance showcased his pace and directness, qualities that have made him a fan favorite at St. James’ Park. However, his premature departure has shifted the focus to his recovery, with Newcastle supporters anxiously awaiting updates.