ANTHONY Gordon hopes versatility separates him from his England rivals and secures the Newcastle star a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for this summer's European Championships.

Southgate is spoilt for choice when it comes to attacking midfielders and wide players, with Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford and Gordon all jostling for position in the thoughts of the England boss. Then there's Jude Bellingham, of course.

Gordon did his chances no harm with a fine debut against Brazil in March, with Southgate admitting afterwards he'd been impressed.

And what the 23-year-old also believes could work in his favour is his versatility. Gordon prefers playing off the left flank but has been used on the right, as a No.10 and even up-front at Newcastle this season.

And he did a job as a striker for England's Under-21s in last summer's European Championship winning campaign.

"I think versatility in a tournament is massive," Gordon told The Overlap.

"A lot of the lads can do it as well, but I feel that I’ve done it a lot this season especially in big games, and I think that matters. I’ve played out of position in big games and done well, so I think that matters.

‌"Playing as a centre forward or as a right-winger is out of position for me because the left is probably my main position. I’ve played number 10 at times, and I’ve proven in big games that no matter where I play, I can still perform, and having that trust from the manager and the players around me, which I think is the most important thing."

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Playing up-front doesn't come natural to Gordon, but it's something he's worked on this season and believes he's learning how to make the most of his skillset when he is asked to lead the line.

"Back to goal is the hardest," he said.

"I'm not built for that but playing there with England and sometimes this year I've found ways to manipulate that."

Gordon was knocking on the England door all season before his maiden call-up in March - and felt instantly at home when he joined up with the Three Lions.

He said: "I felt so comfortable there and when I got there I thought I belong here, this is my level.

"I was so on it. I was so determined to do well. It's football, everyone will be looking at the new lads, you have to earn respect. Nobody will respect you if you don't earn it.

"I knew I'd do well on the pitch but off the pitch I was nervous.  The culture they've managed to create is so impressive and I felt like I'd been there ages."