'A sober reminder' - Liverpool legend doubles down on Anthony Gordon 'no pace' claim after England stutter
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has been an unused substitute in England’s first two Euro 2024 games
Jamie Carragher has reiterated that Anthony Gordon deserves an opportunity for England.
Newcastle United supporters were screaming at their TV sets last night as Gareth Southgate snubbed the 23-year-old again. Gordon sat on the bench for the entire 90 minutes against Denmark - just as he did for the Three Lions’ opener with Serbia.
England limped to a 1-1 draw and arguably should have lost, with Chelsea sensation Cole Palmer also yet to kick a ball at Euro 2024. Liverpool legend Carragher previously called for Gordon’s inclusion following the victory over Serbia.
“Even when England were in control during the first 30 minutes against Serbia, Saka was the only attacker running beyond the defence,” he wrote in The Telegraph. “He was brilliant, but there was too much responsibility on him to make those runs.
“The lack of pace hurt England the longer the game progressed, so it was surprising Anthony Gordon was not introduced. There is also an argument that Ollie Watkins should have replaced Kane for the last 20 minutes because he is quicker and could have freshened it up physically.”
Carragher doubled down on those claims, urging Southgate to drop Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold to make way for the Newcastle star. He wrote: “We have been given a sober reminder that football is about picking the best team, not the best players. Unfortunately, two of the best Premier League footballers - Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden - will have to be sacrificed now.
“The team’s setup is not getting the best from them, or their teammates. Kane correctly remains one of the untouchables - a world-class striker. His best work for England is with two pacey wide men. I would like to see a 4-3-3 with Saka and Anthony Gordon either side of Kane.”