Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon finally made his first appearance at Euro 2024 on Tuesday night
The 23-year-old came off the bench in Cologne as England made a late substitution and the Three Lions drew 0-0 with Slovenia.
Gareth Southgate’s team put up another lackluster performance at the European Championship, but it was one that saw them win their group and move to the “easier” side of the draw.
Even if England’s performance was generally dismal, there were some bright spots, mostly thanks to the replacements who came on, namely Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon shines on England cameo at Euro 2024
Although Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer had an impact when they entered the game, Gordon, the winger for Newcastle United, made the strongest late-game push.
In the 89th minute, he came in for Phil Foden, although Southgate gave him just five minutes to play in his tournament debut. Though brief, the appearance should have made Southgate regret not starting him earlier.
Gordon’s initial contribution was not very good, but it was a start. He instantly launched himself at the Slovenian defender with great speed, but his shot missed the mark.
His subsequent contribution had a far greater effect as he slipped inside to play a cutting pass to Mainoo. Palmer had an opportunity thanks to some deft flicks from him and Harry Kane, but it was comfortably saved.
Gordon’s quickness and determination to go forward gave him the opening, and a few moments later, he generated another one by finding Trent Alexander-Arnold in space. Regretfully, the Liverpool player hit the crossbar with his effort.
Newcastle United winger addresses his performance for England
Gordon talked with Sky Sports following the scoreless draw. Before evaluating his own performance, he was questioned about his position on the bench.
He remarked, “It’s frustrating because I want to play.”
“I believe that each player does. We have so many excellent players, which makes it challenging. It’s difficult to watch from the sidelines at any level. All you want to do is get onto the field because you think you can contribute.
“I think I did when I first logged on. In the short time I had, I tried to be direct, get at people, and cause trouble. That’s what I’ll always attempt to achieve.
Gordon has to play more in England’s next game
Seeing Southgate decide against playing Gordon has been annoying. As a team at Newcastle United, we hope to see our players succeed internationally. However, Gordon is the player that England has been waiting for, even without the Toon allegiance.
Throughout the competition, the Three Lions have been lacking in adequate width on the left, but Gordon has remained on the sidelines.
He grabbed the opportunity as soon as it presented itself. Gordon set up two chances, the best move of the match coming from England’s first move.
Gordon has to play a bigger role in England’s upcoming match—ideally from the outset—after this cameo. On Tuesday night, players like him, Mainoo, and Palmer left a lasting impact, while the England regulars put on yet another lifeless and feeble show.
It’s knockout football now, and England needs players who can win games. Anthony Gordon is precisely that, and he needs to start playing a bigger role at Euro 2024.
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