Steur starts as Newcastle United begin pre-season with Gateshead friendly
Newcastle United launched their 2026 pre-season campaign with a friendly against Gateshead at the Gateshead International Stadium on Saturday, July 26. Head coach Eddie Howe handed a debut to summer signing Sean Steur, who started alongside experienced teammates Fabian Schär, Harvey Barnes, and goalkeeper Nick Pope. Jacob Murphy captained the side, which also featured Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Hall, and Joe Willock.
What’s the lineup for Newcastle United?
Howe’s starting XI was a mix of experience and youth, with Steur, Schär, Barnes, and Pope providing the senior presence. Youngsters Alex Murphy, Leo Shahar, and Sean Neave also earned starts, while academy prospects Dylan Charlton, Luke Craggs, and Anthony Munda were among the substitutes. The bench also included goalkeepers Ewen Jaouen, Mark Gillespie, and Aidan Harris, as well as Seung-soo Park, Miodrag Pivaš, and Vakhtang Salia.
Why is this match important for Newcastle United?
This friendly marks Newcastle United’s first public outing of the summer, a key step in their preparations for the new Premier League season. With a blend of established players and young talent, the match provides an opportunity for Howe to assess his squad’s fitness and form ahead of the competitive campaign. The inclusion of Steur, a recent signing, will be of particular interest to fans eager to see how he integrates into the team.
What’s next for Newcastle United?
After this fixture, Newcastle United will continue their pre-season schedule with further friendly matches, building towards the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season. Fans can watch the match live on Newcastleunited.com and the Official Newcastle United App by purchasing a pre-season live streaming pass.
