Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has got the seal of approval from England captain Harry Kane.
The pair were only on the pitch together for five minutes, with Gareth Southgate leaving it until the 89th minute to bring on Anthony Gordon.
It was a baffling decision, and one he probably regretted quite quickly. Gordon made a real impression during his cameo, proving that the Newcastle United star should have been introduced much earlier.
In fact, he should be playing a more prominent role for England at Euro 2024. Yet that was actually his first appearance, having been forced to watch from the bench as the Three Lions struggle to set the European Championship alight.
Anthony Gordon tried to create for England
England have struggled as an attacking outfit in Germany, and that was evident again on Tuesday night against Slovenia.
Southgate’s side struggled to create many chances, but had two opportunities when Gordon came on.
The 23-year-old did brilliantly to break the lines with an incisive pass into Kobbie Mainoo, whose neat flick found Harry Kane. The captain then shifted it into the path of Cole Palmer, but his shot was easily saved by Cole Palmer.
It was a great chance, made possible by Gordon and his desire to quickly move the ball forward.
Harry Kane praises ‘prime example’ Anthony Gordon
And that delighted Kane, who has been speaking about Gordon’s cameo on England’s official YouTube channel.
“He [Gordon] was the prime example of just being ready, really,” he said.
“He came on in the 89th minute and you might come on and get one or two touches but it can be the difference between winning and losing.
“He played a fantastic ball to Kobbie, who flicked it to me, and me to Cole but unfortunately we couldn’t get that goal.
“He was the prime example of just being ready for that opportunity whether it’s one minute, five minutes or 20 minutes. Just be ready to take that chance when it comes.”
Kane will hope Newcastle United star receives more minutes at Euro 2024
Kane was really impressed with Gordon’s contribution off the bench, despite only getting fives minutes to show what he was capable of.
He certainly maximised those minutes, as there were fears when he came on that he would not even get a touch of the ball. But Gordon made sure he was involved, and tried to force an England winner.
It wasn’t to be, but Gordon’s cameo should hopefully result in more minutes. That is likely what Kane will hope for, as he is a player who needs pacey players around him.
Alan Shearer recently stated that Kane would benefit from having Gordon in attack, but that is something he has only experienced for five minutes so far at the Euros.
That simply has to change if England have any chance of bringing football home.
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