Alan Shearer shares honest opinion on Anthony Gordon’s England performance vs Ireland

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Interim England manager Lee Carsley handed Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon a starting spot during his first match in charge.

It didn’t take Lee Carsley long to do what Gareth Southgate should have done in Germany this summer – start Anthony Gordon on the left.

The Newcastle United winger was starved of game time at Euro 2024 and his unfortunate bike crash ended up making more headlines than his performances.

But under new management, Gordon has finally worked his way into the starting lineup with Carsley starting him on the left of a front three against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening.

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who both represented Ireland at youth level, scored in a 2-0 win, but Carsley was impressed by Gordon’s performance.

Alan Shearer gives verdict on Anthony Gordon performance

Gordon lasted 77 minutes before being replaced by Eberechi Eze, and the 23-year-old injected pace and energy into the front three.

Just as he does at St James’ Park, Gordon was fearless on the ball, taking on his full-back at any given opportunity.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Alan Shearer was full of praise for Gordon after he was handed a starting spot.

“I think he justified his selection. I thought he offered us pace, and he was really direct.

“His runs, which he’s really good at doing, helped to set up the first goal.”

Gordon was picked out by Trent Alexander-Arnold for the opening goal after a bursting run between the centre-back pairing.

Anthony Gordon is returning to his best

It had been a relatively slow start to the season for Gordon with Newcastle scrapping their way through their first few fixtures this season.

But the 23-year-old looked back to his best in an England shirt and that will be music to the ears of Eddie Howe.

READ MORE: What Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon may have done to annoy former England manager Gareth Southgate

With trips to Wolves and Fulham on the horizon, Gordon should return to Newcastle full of confidence to help maintain the unbeaten start to the season.

As for his role at England, Gordon has shown exactly why he must start under Carsley – or whoever replaces him.