Anthony Gordon responds brilliantly to England criticism of one major decision
The national press have questioned why Jude Bellingham was left out of the England squad for games against Wales and Latvia.
Anthony Gordon has played down the vitriol over Jude Bellingham’s omission from the England squad.
Thomas Tuchel left the Real Madrid superstar out of Three Lions duty for the second consecutive international. Bellingham - arguably England’s best player - has been easing his way back to full fitness following shoulder surgery.
However, that has not stopped the national press from questioning Tuchel’s decision. The German made the call as the Three Lions were preparing for an international double-header against Wales and Latvia.
Thomas Tuchel on Jude Bellingham call
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Wales game, Tuchel gave a lengthy answer on why Bellingham was left out. He said: “The last camp was only three and a half weeks ago. Teamwork, team spirit were at the highest level so far. That's why we decided to invite the same group into this camp, to make more stable what we started to build.
“Are there players out there who deserve to be with us? Yes, for sure. Is there a way back into the team through performance? 100 per cent. We think this is the best and most straightforward position. The competition is on to be in the squad and to make it onto the pitch.
“I understand your focus on Jude. He is a very special player, and for special players, there are special rules. But for this camp we decided to stick with out decision to invite the same team, that also applies to Jude. He always deserves to be in camp.
“There is also the situation that he hasn't gathered his full rhythm for Real Madrid. He hasn't finished one full match until now; he has only started one now. He is getting back to full strength. We had a phone call. There is no issue from that side, he just lacks rhythm.”
Anthony Gordon issues brilliant response
Not wanting to be baited into a controversial comment, Newcastle United winger Gordon insisted Bellingham is a shoo-in for the England squad when fit and firing. He said: “I think we all know that if he is playing week in, week out for Real Madrid, he is going to be in the England team. You definitely notice when he is not here because he is such a big presence, such a big player.
“But he has been injured, he has had a tough couple of months and it’s probably done him some good to be honest because he has played so much football for his age. He’s younger than me - it’s crazy. He’s played so much football - this has just given him time to build a rhythm up and start playing again.”
"I lost my smile a lot playing for England after the Euros as I felt I was a little mistreated compared to what I contributed. I think it was a bit harsh on me. I felt a bit like the scapegoat. Maybe I felt a bit sorry for myself.
"I felt I contributed some pretty big moments, but it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me, especially in the three days after final. It wasn't a nice feeling."
‘Lost my smile’ - Jude Bellingham
Bellingham admitted he felt “scapegoated” for England’s failure to win Euro 2024 last year. He said following the tournament: “I lost my smile a lot playing for England after the Euros as I felt I was a little mistreated compared to what I contributed. I think it was a bit harsh on me. I felt a bit like the scapegoat. Maybe I felt a bit sorry for myself.
"I felt I contributed some pretty big moments, but it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me, especially in the three days after final. It wasn't a nice feeling."