Southgate eases Newcastle fears and Anthony Gordon questions emerge

Gareth Southgate has played down fears that Kieran Trippier suffered an injury during England's 1-0 win over Serbia last night - but questions have been asked after Anthony Gordon was not brought on from the bench last night.

Trippier went down off the ball in the second half of our Euro 2024 opener, but the Three Lions boss insists it was "just cramp" and nothing to worry about as the 33-year-old battled on at left-back.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the game, Southgate said: "Kieran [Trippier] was just cramp. As far as I know everyone has come through well."

As for Gordon, the reaction on social media suggests that a lot England fans - not just Mags on Tyneside - were surprised not to see the Newcastle winger come on down our left last night.

Phil Foden struggled to get into the game, looking unusually sloppy when he did, not to mention, and it felt clear that an injection of pace and freshness could've caused Serbia problems as we looked to counter in the closing stages.

In the end, England saw it out with a precious win and clean sheet, but it was clear all night that the left-side dynamic did not work, seeing Foden drift inside (to a space Bellingham was occupying) and Trippier seem reluctant to burst into the space as he took up a more defensive role.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has also revealed his surprise that Gordon didn't come on, saying: “The lack of pace hurt England the longer the game progressed, so it was surprising Anthony Gordon was not introduced.

It worked in the end and we got the three points, we just hope Gordon gets the minutes he deserves as it felt like he was ignored in a game that felt perfect for him.