Why Newcastle United's £105m investment now looks like a bargain

Newcastle United legend Rob Lee has insisted that Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento looked "every inch" England stars during a proud night for the Magpies at St James' Park.

The trio shone in the 5-0 hammering over the Republic of Ireland at Wembley with Gordon getting on the scoresheet and Hall and Livermento oozing quality on the big stage. Lee was on the field the last time Newcastle achieved such a feat when he, Alan Shearer and David Batty pulled on the famous Three Lions jerseys in a World Cup qualifier against Georgia.

Reflecting on a big night, which sealed promotion in the UEFA Nations League, Lee told Chronicle Live: "I can't believe it was 27 years, wow. But that sort of era we had quite a few in and around the England squad.

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"To have three players starting from any club though is excellent - and it shows how far Newcastle have come in a short space of time.

"Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, you have to remember they are young guys still. I think we expect so much from them because of the fees as it's millions and millions now, the expectation is there and people expect them to go straight in and do well."

Lee feels that the likes of Hall, Gordon and Livramento will only continue to get better for Newcastle and the Three Lions.

The Londoner, who refers to Newcastle as "us" and "we" to underline his love for the Magpies, said: "You have to remember they are moving away from home and somewhere different. They are young and they are suddenly living on their own and they have to get used to that.

"Off the pitch, as well as on it, you have to give them a bit of leeway. I think all three of them, and I know Anthony has had most of the press, but all three looked fantastic in an England shirt and have done for us as well."

Lee now hopes that more stars will be able to join the trio when it comes to England. The legendary former midfielder and club skipper told me: "Look it's a long time ago and it probably shouldn't have taken that long. We had myself Alan, Les Ferdinand, Steve Howey, Barry Venison and David Batty.

"We have had internationals since then but not many England internationals. So it is great for the club and great for England. Their ages are so young and it can only bode well for the future."