England are reportedly worried that rumours surrounding a possible transfer to Liverpool are harming Anthony Gordon's performances in training.
The former Everton youngster and current Newcastle United attacker is being heavily linked with a return to Anfield after a brief stint in the Reds' academy system from 2008 to 2012.
Gordon was released from Liverpool's setup and subsequently made a name for himself at Everton, earning him a £38.5m move to Newcastle in January 2023, and he helped the Magpies qualify for the Champions League in his first half-season.
The 23-year-old's 2023-24 campaign was a huge success at individual level, as he banked 11 goals and 10 assists in 35 Premier League appearances, form which convinced Gareth Southgate to select him for Euro 2024.
However, in spite of his strong pre-tournament form, Gordon has played just one minute at the Euros so far, coming off the bench in the dying embers of England's final group-stage draw versus Slovenia.
Gordon 'takes eye off ball' amid Liverpool speculation
Southgate has persisted with Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden as his combination on the left-hand side, even though the latter has looked more comfortably centrally, often leaving England without much of a threat on that flank.
Pleas to introduce Gordon have fallen on deaf ears, as the Newcastle man was an unused substitute in both the last 16 and quarter-finals, although the same cannot be said for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze.
According to the Daily Star, England staff are concerned that the ongoing Liverpool speculation is distracting the ex-Everton man, who has taken his 'eye off the ball' in training.
While Gordon was optimistic of forcing his way into Southgate's first XI, the report adds that there is no chance of that scenario occurring due to his drop-off in practice performances.
What is the latest on Gordon's possible Liverpool move?
Speculation over Gordon potentially returning to Liverpool gathered pace just after the Three Lions edged out Slovakia in the last 16, and it was claimed that the winger had his head turned by the Reds' interest.
Gordon had been earmarked as one player who Newcastle could sell for big bucks in order to alleviate their Profit and Sustainability concerns, but a deal did not materialise before the June 30 financial deadline.
As a result, the Magpies are not under as much pressure to let the England international leave for the remainder of the window, but he is now in the final two years of his contract, which he has not extended since his arrival.
However, Newcastle are supposedly hopeful of warding off interest from the Reds by agreeing a lucrative extension with Gordon, who is said to have been the subject of one failed offer from Arne Slot's side.
Liverpool are thought to be planning a second bid for their former academy product, but it could take up to £80m to prise Gordon away from St James' Park, as Eddie Howe and co are determined to keep hold of him. body check tags ::
