Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has urged Gareth Southgate to start Anthony Gordon for England’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash.
The Three Lions qualified for the knockout stages as Group C winners with just five points, leading to criticism over their lacklustre performances that fetched an unconvincing win versus Serbia and uninspiring draws against Denmark and Slovenia. Indeed, Southgate’s side have managed just two goals in the tournament so far, despite an array of attacking talent. One of the biggest frustrations voiced is Southgate’s overlooking of Gordon, who scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists for the Magpies last season.
Before making his debut in the 89th minute on Tuesday night, the 23-year-old was not utilized as a substitute in the first two games. Even though Gordon did not have much time on the field, he was still able to set up England’s finest chance when Cole Palmer’s late effort was saved.
Gordon must start when England return to Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, where the Netherlands is now expected to be their opponent. Shearer says this is the case.
“The first half was really poor,” he said to the podcast The Rest Is Football. By his own admission, you could tell that he made a mistake in selecting Gallagher to play in the middle since he substituted him out at the half.
“I considered Mainoo’s debut to be a plus. He performed admirably. I believed that he gave Palmer about twenty minutes by making his replacements too late. How has Gordon wronged him? With forward passes, a little bit of intensity, and two or three minutes on the left side, I believe Gordon accomplished more than we have in two and a half games.
“Since his attempts in the first three games have failed, significant adjustments are required. He needs to play Gordon on the left side, in my opinion.
What Anthony Gordon has said on his lack game time
Gordon responded, “It’s frustrating because I want to play, I think every player does, but it’s difficult because we have so many good players,” in response to a question regarding his lack of playing time.
It’s difficult to watch from the sidelines throughout any game or level since all you want to do is play and have an influence. I feel like I did when I first came on; with the brief time I had, I just tried to be direct, get at people, and cause trouble. That’s what I’ll always attempt to achieve.
“We wanted to make a statement and improve on our performances from the last two games,” Gordon continued. We still need to improve, and I still believe that we are in that position. The most important thing is that we are through and have topped the group, which is fortunate for us, but we still need to get better.
We can really do so much better, in my opinion. Our players are excellent, our daily training is excellent, and we are doing everything correctly, but something isn’t connecting. We need to start truly attacking teams and controlling games, so maybe that will happen in the upcoming games.
“I think we’re keeping the ball well and controlling games very well, but I think we’re maybe lacking in being direct, creating difficulties, and going for teams. As you can see, we had a great opportunity toward the finish when we just went for it without thinking about losing the ball.
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