Anthony Gordon is a European Champion, helping England’s U21s to Euro glory after a dramatic 1-0 win over Spain; which followed with him being named UEFA’s player of the tournament before the trophy lift.
After a deflected free-kick handed England a first half lead, the Young Lions looked set to seal a famous win until Spain won a penalty in the dying second of extra-time, with VAR handing them a chance to make it 1-1 with the last kick of the game.
However, Man City talent James Trafford pulled off a sensational double save, not only winning England the U21 European Championships but helping him keep SIX consecutive clean sheets; meaning he went through the entire tournament without conceding a single goal.
It was the Under-21s first final in 14 years and a huge moment for Gordon too. He impressed again tonight, was involved in three goals across the competition and was awarded player of the tournament before lifting the trophy. A special moment for him and well deserved boost ahead of his return to Tyneside.
With a goal and an assist in the group stages, the winner in their quarter final win over Portugal and him winning a penalty in their 3-0 victory over Israel in the semis, he started in the final against Spain on Saturday night.
The 22-year-old was lively from the off and almost gave England an early lead, having a good effort saved after cutting in from the left and firing a decent shot towards the far corner. He then set up what should’ve been a tap-in for Morgan Gibbs-White after a lovely turn and burst in behind. His pass across the box was perfectly weighted, but the Spanish defender did superbly to take it off Gibbs-White’s toes.
He sometimes struggle to hold up the ball, continuing to play as a false number nine, but he drew so many fouls and got several Spain players in the book, with his pace and directness forcing them to commit cynical trips on the counter.
A brilliant summer for Gordon and a huge confidence boost ahead of his return to pre-season training!
Watch the dramatic 96th minute penalty save below:
He impressed going forward, but was easily dispossessed and not great defensively.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Fantastic spectacle if not so much a football match but what an ending! So happy for Gordon though what an achievement!
Joppadoni(Quote)
Congratulations to them all and well done Anthony Gordon .
kimtoon(Quote)