Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon finally made his Euro 2024 debut on Tuesday night, as he tried to inspire England to victory late on.
It had to be late too, as Gareth Southgate did not decide to bring Anthony Gordon on until the 89th minute. It was a baffling decision to bring the Newcastle United winger on so late, with the 23-year-old receiving just five minutes of action.
Gordon made the most of it though, and created a couple of opportunities. Sadly, they were not converted as England drew 0-0 with Slovenia. But the Three Lions still managed to finish top of their group, and are now on the perceived ‘easier’ side of the draw.
Incredibly, this was Gordon’s first appearance at Euro 2024. While England have been crying out for a proper winger on the left flank, Gordon has been twiddling his thumbs on the bench. Pundits have been calling for him to feature, only for Southgate to ignore all of the noise.
But he gave into it on Tuesday night, and Gordon’s cameo should convince Southgate to play him more as England advance to the knockout stages of the competition.
Anthony Gordon’s message after first Euros appearance for England
After coming on for England against Slovenia in Cologne, Gordon took to his official Instagram account to comment on making his first appearance at a major tournament for his country.
Alongside some pictures from his five minute cameo, Gordon wrote: “Major tournament debut & into the last 16. A lot more to come!”
The Toon attacker received plenty of replies on Instagram, with the likes of Phil Foden and Elliot Anderson reacting to his post.
There was also a message from Nick Pope, who wrote: “Flash.”
Former Everton winger Yannick Bolasie also replied, commenting: “Just the start for you bro, more to come.”
Newcastle and England fans want to see ‘more’ of Gordon this summer
There is a lot more to come from Gordon, as he is a young player who can still continue to improve. That will be music to the ears of Newcastle United fans, who have been blown away by how quickly he has developed into one of Eddie Howe’s best players.
In the short-term, there needs to be more to come from Gordon in the next couple of weeks.
While England are struggling, they are not out. They have advanced to the knockout stages of the Euros and, as the old saying goes, you’ve got to be in it to win it.
But the Three Lions are not going to win it if they keep playing like they are. Southgate needs to be braver and take more risks, and that means picking a player like Gordon.
Newcastle’s number 10 was outstanding on Tuesday night, and he only touched the ball about three times. But he tried to make a difference, and almost proved to be decisive.
He has what it takes to thrive at the Euros, but he cannot do that if he is sat on the bench.
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