Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has yet to see any action for England at Euro 2024. Despite his strong performance leading up to the tournament, he has remained an unused substitute in both games against Serbia and Denmark. Fans and pundits alike are questioning Gareth Southgate’s decision to keep the 23-year-old winger on the bench.
England’s Struggles:
England’s performance has been less than stellar in their opening matches. The first game against Serbia saw a disappointing display, with Phil Foden starting on the left instead of Gordon, a decision that quickly drew criticism. Despite calls for Gordon to start against Denmark, Southgate once again opted to leave him on the bench, resulting in another lackluster performance from the Three Lions.
Alan Shearer’s Analysis:
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on the issue, highlighting Harry Kane’s struggles and suggesting Gordon could be the solution. Speaking on BBC One, Shearer compared Kane’s current situation to his own experiences as a player.
Alan Shearer: “I needed legs around me, I needed pace around me. I could still hold the ball up and head it, I still had a good touch. I could still score goals but the one thing I couldn’t do constantly is run in behind. He needs players around him to do that. That’s why I would have Gordon in the team because he has the energy, the ability to run in behind, the ability to get in near him.”
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Tactical Insights:
Shearer emphasized that England’s current lineup lacks the necessary dynamism. With Foden, Kane, and Jude Bellingham all preferring to play in similar spaces, the team is missing a player who can stretch the game and run beyond the defense. Gordon’s pace and energy could provide the perfect complement to Kane’s playing style, offering a solution to England’s attacking woes.
The Case for Gordon:
Gordon’s exclusion is puzzling, especially given his form and the impact he has made when playing for England. His ability to stretch defenses and create space is something England desperately needs. Southgate’s decision to bring on Eberechi Eze instead of Gordon in the last match has also been questioned, as Eze, while talented, does not offer the same kind of threat.
Upcoming Match Against Slovenia:
With one group game remaining against Slovenia, Southgate needs to consider mixing up his tactics to find a winning formula. Incorporating Gordon into the starting lineup could provide the energy and directness that England has been lacking. This change could be crucial in securing a better performance and advancing further in the tournament.
Anthony Gordon’s absence from the pitch at Euro 2024 has been a surprising and contentious decision. As England prepares for their final group match, bringing in the dynamic Newcastle winger could be the key to unlocking their attacking potential and ensuring a successful campaign.
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