Anthony Gordon reveals Eddie Howe's England reaction after angry Pep Guardiola response

As Premier League managers around the division pull their players out of the upcoming England internationals, Eddie Howe has no problem with Anthony Gordon remaining in Lee Carsley's senior squad despite recent injury issues.

Gordon limped out of Sunday's 3-1 win at Nottingham Forest and was a doubt for England's fixtures with Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the coming days. The winger insists, however, that the hip problem that has plagued him at various times is season is all but healed after initial fears.

Meanwhile, eight of Carsley's call-ups have withdrawn in recent days, including some of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool's biggest stars. Pep Guardiola, in particular, took issue with one of his top talents - Jack Grealish - being called up despite missing recent Premier League outings through injury.

Guardiola was said to be furious after the attacker was named in Carsley's squad and disparagingly called him “the UK manager” in a tetchy press conference answer last week. The Spaniard also said the FA had not been in contact with City over Grealish's fitness.

This prompted a fierce response from Carsley this week, with the interim England boss saying: "The medical departments have brilliant communication between club and country. It was always the case we were going to get the players who were potentially going to miss out in to be assessed. Jack was one of them. He was assessed and sent back and it was as clear as that.”

Meanwhile, Gordon insists Howe is more than happy for the Newcastle star to remain with England despite his own recent issues - with the Magpies chief congratulating his £45m attacker each time he returns to Tyneside.

"My manager Eddie Howe loves England," Gordon told reporters on Wednesday evening. “When I go back he always congratulates me on every cap I get. It’s good to have that support from him. He’s English, he wants to see England win."

Howe has been heavily linked with the England job but wasn't one of the reported 10 coaches interviewed by the FA before Thomas Tuchel was appointed.

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