Newcastle United have two representatives in this Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, as England prepare to face Spain.
Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon will both be in the Three Lions squad to take on Spain, as England look to bring football home after beating Netherlands in the semis.
It was a dramatic end to a thrilling night, as Ollie Watkins scored the goal to send England through to the final. The substitute made the difference, as Gareth Southgate gets ready to manage his country at a second consecutive European Championship final.
The England boss used his bench well on Wednesday night, but he still opted against bringing Anthony Gordon on. The Newcastle United winger has only appeared once at the Euros, and that was in the group stage. Gordon enjoyed a great cameo against Slovenia, but that remains his only outing.
While it has been great to see England go the distance, it has been a shame that Gordon has not played more. It has been frustrating for the 23-year-old, who was Newcastle’s player of the season going into this tournament.
Anthony Gordon reacts as England reach Euro 2024 final
But despite only playing five minutes of football, Gordon has still been involved in the England celebrations. This squad is on the brink of something special, as the Three Lions aim to win their first trophy since 1966.
After the game, Kieran Tripper toasted the victory on Instagram, after playing 45 minutes of England’s 2-1 win over Netherlands. It appears that Trippier was substituted due to injury, with Southgate not sweating on his fitness for Sunday.
As for Gordon, he too has taken to Instagram to comment on England’s semi final win – despite not featuring once again.
Following the win, Gordon wrote: “One more push.”
He received a reply from Declan Rice, who commented back: “Together.”
Last chance for Newcastle winger to make his mark at the Euros
Togetherness is a key message. While Gordon must be disappointed that he has barely featured, he has certainly played his part. There is a real togetherness with this England group, and the work they do on the training ground is vital in preparing them for these high pressure games.
It has not been the tournament that Gordon had hoped for, but there will be more chances in the future. He is only 23-years-old and will continue to get better – this should not be Gordon’s final competition in an England shirt.
But there is still one more opportunity for Gordon. England have one more game, and it is the biggest game of all.
If the Three Lions are going to win on Sunday, there will need to be a hero. Watkins had that honour on Wednesday night, and now someone else could get the chance to cement their legacy.
Gordon will hope that it is him, and Toon fans will be desperate to see him feature in the final. However, it would come as a surprise given the fact he has only played once at Euro 2024 so far. Southgate has not turned to Gordon in his time of need, so it would be a surprise if he did so in the final.
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