Anthony Gordon may not have found the net on Wednesday night, but the Newcastle winger was influential once again in England’s biggest win yet at the U21 European Championships.
He started up top in the Young Lions’ semi-final clash with Israel and won a first-half penalty that should have given England an early lead. Morgan Gibbs-White missed the resultant spot kick, but they went on to win 3-0 after goals from Gibbs-White, Cole Palmer and Cameron Archer.
Gordon was lively throughout and a constant pest. He pressed well – forcing one error that almost lead to a goal – played a lovely ball in behind to set up Emile Smith-Rowe, won a penalty and came close to scoring himself before he was subbed off in the closing stages.
It’s been a great tournament for his fitness levels but also his confidence, with him scoring twice and setting up one in four starts for Lee Carsley’s side this summer.
England will take on Spain or Ukraine in Saturday’s final (5pm kick-off), which is available to watch for free via UEFA.tv. Watch the penalty incident below, which was given after a VAR review:
