England duo told their 2026 World Cup places are in jeopardy after Saturday shocker

Thomas Tuchel may decide to overlook Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope when selecting his England squad for the World Cup.

That’s according to talkSPORT’s Micky Gray with the Newcastle United duo guilty of dismal displays in the club’s 3-2 Premier League defeat at home to Everton.

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Jarrad Branthwaite opened the scoring for the Toffees, who then had instant responses to the two Newcastle goals to win all three points.

Jacob Ramsey and Jacob Murphy netted for the hosts, but there was a lack of attacking edge from winger Gordon.

Despite scoring ten goals in the Champions League this season, the 25-year-old has been below par during his domestic appearances.

He only has three strikes to his name in the league and his lack of confidence in front of goal showed against Everton with just a single shot on target.

Gordon played in five of England’s eight World Cup qualifiers under Tuchel, but Gray believes he’s in danger of not being on the plane.

“I’ve heard over the last couple of weeks about Anthony Gordon,” he said on commentary for talkSPORT.

“Well, if Thomas Tuchel was here today, he’d leave at half-time. He’s been so bad.”

Not in good Nick

Everton led Newcastle 2-1 at half-time courtesy of a goal that Pope will feel he could have easily dealt with.

The goalkeeper initially saved a long-range strike from Dwight McNeil, but did not keep a firm hold on the ball.

Instead, it spilt across the face of goal and Beto was there to smash in for his side’s second of the day.

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Pope joined England at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but his error could be a cause for concern ahead of this summer.

Speaking at half-time, Gray said: “The second goal from Beto is just an absolute howler from Nick Pope.

“I mentioned Thomas Tuchel about Anthony Gordon, if Thomas Tuchel sees things like that…

“We’re talking about goalkeepers who can go to the World Cup. He might be the number two or the number three.

“He can’t make mistakes like that. He was in quicksand as well after he made the save, couldn’t get back to his feet.

“That’s where Beto just stepped in and popped the ball into the back of the net.”

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Plenty of time left

Gordon and Pope may have had a bad day at the office, but they still have enough of the season to impress Tuchel.

Newcastle are into the Champions League last-16, where they will face Barcelona over two legs.

The Magpies can also still qualify for Europe via the league, although they are currently nine points off the top six.

England have friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan in March, and Tuchel will already be thinking about who to take for the World Cup.