Even though he is “proud” of what he has achieved in his career so far, Anthony Gordon says he will not just “sit back” and rest on that.
The Newcastle winger’s impressive form since joining the Magpies from Everton in January 2023 ensured he would be in the latest England squad.
Gordon made his national team debut in March last year and could win his seventh and eighth caps in the Three Lions’ Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland.
“[I am] proud, but I am not that guy to sit back and look at what I have achieved, it’s not in my nature,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It’s more looking ahead, not so much into the future, but what is right in front of me.
“I have been guilty of looking too far into the future. I am trying to rein that in a little bit and focus on what is ahead of me but I’m definitely proud of what I have achieved, especially the England caps.”
Despite coming into this international break with a slight injury, the 23-year-old has remained with the squad, as eight others pulled out through fitness issues.
“Availability is the best ability. I love playing football, so if I can play football even with a slight illness, or a slight knock, if I can play, I will play,” Gordon said.
“I have always been that way, so I don’t know any different.
“It [enthusiasm for football] has never left me. I try to not let it get that way consciously, because football does get hard at times, but I have always been enthusiastic. I have always found a way to enjoy it.”
More from Gordon on the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds