Mumbai, November 14: Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon said that withdrawing from England's squad for the Nations League games against Greece and Ireland 'wasn't a possibility' despite his hip injury. England will face Greece in Athens on Thursday, followed by a home game against Ireland at Wembley three days later. However, nine players, including Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, have withdrawn from interim manager Lee Carsley's squad due to injuries. Jarell Quansah Added to England Football Squad for UEFA Nations League 2024–25 Fixtures, Replaces Jarrad Branthwaite.

England captain Harry Kane criticised the players who have withdrawn from the squad, saying that playing for the country comes before the club. Gordon, who was substituted with a hip injury during Newcastle's 3-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, ruled out the chances of missing international duty.

"No, that wasn't a possibility. I came here to get assessed and see how it is and the staff here thought they could help me with the injury. And they have done that, to be fair. They've done an excellent job because I've been training straight away," he told local media on Wednesday. Eight Players Withdraw From England Squad For Upcoming UEFA Nations League 2024-25 Matches Against Greece and Ireland; Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers Gets First Senior Call-Up.

"It's gone to a certain extent, now. It's an injury I had a couple of weeks ago and it stayed with me a little bit, but there was no chance I would not come here," he added.

England, aiming for promotion to League A, currently sit second in Group B2 with nine points, following a home defeat to group leaders Greece, who have won all four of their matches so far.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 14, 2024 03:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).