Last season, Anthony Gordon was undoubtedly one of the best left-wingers in the Premier League. His energy, pace, ability to run at his man, press high and deliver in the final third was a constant and saw him deservedly called up to England’s Euro 2024 squad.
However, two games into the tournament out in Germany, he’s yet to play a single minute. Despite the Three Lions falling flat in the second half of last week’s 1-0 win over Serbia, Phil Foden’s constant struggles on the left and last night’s awful display in a 1-1 draw with Denmark, Gordon was left on the bench on both occasions by Southgate.
We were crying out for some width down the left, some pace in behind and a bit of intensity, so it just doesn’t make sense. So, what on earth is the reason? Here’s my theory.
After our 1-0 defeat to Iceland in our final warm-up game less than two weeks ago, Gordon told Channel 4 after the game, “it’s the first time I’ve kicked a ball in four weeks.” This was the game after he missed out on our St James’ Park friendly with Bosnia the week prior, so I can only presume a niggling injury is still causing him a problem?
That tackle from Man Utd’s Sofyan Amrabat left a lasting mark in our end-of-season trip to Old Trafford, ruling him out of our final day win at Brentford. After that, he missed the Bosnia game and barely trained before featuring against Iceland.
The fact he’s sat on the bench two games running when our left side was lacking everything he’d offer when fit, so I can only presume he’s not right. It’s the only reasonable explanation – or am I giving Southgate too much credit?
I think you’re giving Southgate too much credit Olly 😂 the man’s set the team up to not lose then picked players that want to attack, because if he doesn’t pick Foden, Kane etc he’ll be lynched. If he insists on playing this way he needs to grow a backbone and select the players that can work in the system, Gordon on the left, Watkins up top, Bellingham as a false 9 and Gallagher holding, those players suit his (imo boring and lacking) system. Our most attacking threat can’t be Kyle walker.
Sean(Quote)
Anyone else have an ad now embedded into the article covering a paragraph or two? Every article for last couple of days does that to me.
Toonali87(Quote)
We have an excellent squad of players, the problem is Southgate a useless coach.
We have seen good coaches come in to the premiere league and turn average teams around, C.Palace A.Villa and Newcastle to name but three.
Southgate has no system other to try and keep the ball going sideways and backwards which they can’t do very well, instead of playing to the players strengths.
When Southgate took over the England job he had a team full of promise and he rode his luck, he has now been found out.
Joseph(Quote)
Too much credit by far.
This is the bloke playing Foden on the left solely in order to allow TAA to play in midfield.
Gordon was on the bench, so selectable. Instead of finally going for the U21 Euro’s player of the tournament in a side missing a left-footed player, he chose right-footed Eze instead. He came on and proceeded to look like his shoe laces were tied together.
sickandtired(Quote)
Sorry about this mate, we’re looking into the issue.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Let’s face it – Gordon just doesn’t fit into Southgate’s MO.
I’d say he was selected for the squad as a 3 in 1 back up being capable of playing anywhere across the front 3 in case of emergency.
Watching Saka play right was hilarious. The most predictable player on the pitch it wasn’t a case of IF he’s going to go outside, as when.
Gordon is too unpredictable for Southgate.
As a life long Toon fan I’d be happy to see Southgate go and Howe replace him, just so my National team could show a bit of style.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
I sat there watch this dire performance. Rice must be blind in his left eye, as not once did he ever make a pass out to the left to Trippier. If we’d have played Georgia and a couple of other lesser team (words of the pundits and commentators) we’d be on our way home now.
I’m screaming – ‘for Christ sake Bruce, attack, stop playing the ball backwards’ forgetting this was England not Newcastle under Steve Bruce. Having gone a goal down after 3 minutes, let’s defend this position and not concede any more goals. Does this ring any bells with Toon supporters.
Southgate reminds me of Bruce, no plan, no ideas and tactically devoid. He’s watching the game, goggled eyed, like a rabbit caught in car headlights. Why can’t these pundits just come out and say, he’s not fit to manage Middlesbrough let alone England.
Ed(Quote)
Shearer pretty well implied that Gareth is out of his depth.
Benton Bob(Quote)
Rice still has the hump with NUFC players after we beat them at SJP
David Martin(Quote)
Southgate hates to play anyone that plays for Newcastle.
Brian Henry(Quote)