'Offers unpredictability' - National media rave about Newcastle United's star 8/10 performance

Newcastle United and England forward Anthony Gordon. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)Newcastle United and England forward Anthony Gordon. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United and England forward Anthony Gordon. (Photo by PAUL FAITH / AFP) (Photo by PAUL FAITH/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Anthony Gordon showed England what they were missing at Euro 2024 with a standout display against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday night.

Former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate handed Gordon just three minutes of football in Germany, despite ending the 2023-24 Premier League season as one of the in-form wingers with 12 goals and 11 assists for Newcastle United.

Gordon has spoken candidly about his disappointment at how the summer unfolded, however he is set to play a more prominent role with Lee Carsley in temporary charge.

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Carsley, who led Gordon and his England under-21s teammates to European Championship glory last year, named the 23-year-old in his starting XI for the visit to Dublin - and he certainly grasped his opportunity.

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish got the goals in the first-half but Gordon earned rave reviews from the national media.

The Independent gave Gordon an 8/10, writing “Very lively, providing much needed pace and genuine width to the left wing - both of which were missing during the Euros - while also popping up in other dangerous areas. Should have scored shortly before Rice’s opener, but the diagonal run unlocked Ireland’s defence.”

And iNews dished out the same mark: “Another player presented with a golden opportunity to impress, under a manager he shone for at U21 level, Gordon squandered England’s first big chance after an impressive run behind – a passage of play that would at least lead to Rice’s goal. Put in a tireless shift.”

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Meanwhile, the Daily Mail handed Gordon an 7.5/10, concluding: “This is what England missed in Germany. He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score when sent clear before Rice goal, but his pace to run in behind is what the team needed so badly in summer. He offers unpredictability. It was obvious then, and this confirmed it. A penny for Southgate’s thoughts. Should stay in team.”

Reflecting on his own performance, Gordon said: “I think we did well and showed my strengths. I thought I was dangerous, especially in the first-half. When H [Harry Kane] comes in I know I can be dangerous in behind and cause team problems. I’m still getting my fitness from the summer so after them runs I was knackered!”

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