Newcastle boss Howe delighted for Gordon after England debut

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admits he was delighted for Anthony Gordon after his England debut.

The winger impressed against Brazil and Belgium over the past week.

Howe said: "It is a really satisfying feeling for me, a sense of pride. I've seen how hard Anthony's had to work for that moment. He has been committed.

"It hasn't been easy for him, he's had to work at every aspect of his game and he's had some difficult moments. But this season he's really flourished and produced some really consistent performances.

"I knew how much it would mean to him and I thought he played really well. It was great to see him and Bruno [Guimaraes] going against each other."

On Newcastle's season, Howe added: "[It's been] challenging, for sure. The international break is a chance to recharge but it's certainly not been that for me.

"It's following suit from the rest of the season. There have been things thrown up that have been there to test us all the time.

"If we can come through this season with a positive finish, I think we'll look back on a season that's really helped us grow and I think we'll be better for it in every sense. But of course, we have to have that positive ending and that's what we're desperate for."