It could have been the best summer of Anthony Gordon’s life, but it ended up being one to forget for the Newcastle United winger.
The 23-year-old was part of the England squad that made it to the final of Euro 2024, but was unable to help the Three Lions bring football home.
England were beaten by Spain in the final, losing 2-1 to make it back-to-back European Championship final defeats. In the aftermath, it was announced that Gareth Southgate was stepping down as manager, while Eddie Howe is one of the FA’s targets to replace him.
After the final, Anthony Gordon thanked the fans for their support at the Euros, but could not really comment on his involvement. That is because the Newcastle United star was barely involved, making just one appearance.
That came in the group stage against Slovenia, with Gordon coming off the bench for the final five minutes. It was barely an opportunity, but he was still able to make his mark. He created a couple of opportunities for England, resulting in Gordon receiving praise from captain Harry Kane.
Anthony Gordon left disappointed by Euro 2024 experience
Despite his impact, that was Gordon’s only appearance at Euro 2024.
Throughout the tournament, pundits called for Gordon to play more. It was clear that England needed more pace and width, which is exactly what the Toon speedster would have provided.
Yet Southgate continuously ignored him, which was a constant source of frustration for Newcastle fans who had seen Gordon enjoy the best season of his career in black and white.
The forward was expected to feature much more than he did, and his lack of involvement has not been well received.
According to iNews, Gordon was disappointed by how little he played for England at Euro 2024.
What Gary Lineker told Gordon after Euro 2024 final
It is anyone’s guess why Southgate continuously opted against playing Gordon.
Many thought he would actually be a starter for England, yet he ended up spending most of the tournament on the bench. In fact, the biggest headline he created was when he fell of his bike.
Gordon’s involvement remains a mystery, but his chance on the international stage will come. That was the message he received from Gary Lineker, who told The Rest Is Football podcast what he said to Gordon immediately after the Euro 2024 final.
“I saw Anthony Gordon after the game,” he said.
“I said to him briefly, I said, I feel for you in this tournament – I think you should have got more minutes.
“And he was very kind, and I went but don’t worry, you will get more chances. It will happen for you, he’s very young.”
Newcastle United winger has the chance to bounce back
Given the fact he was limited to just a single cameo – one that only lasted five minutes – it is no surprise that Gordon is disappointed. He absolutely should be disappointed.
England were poor for most of the tournament, yet Gordon was not given the chance to spark the Three Lions into life.
It was extremely strange to see him snubbed so much, and it should only serve as motivation. Gordon could now go on to have an even better season with Newcastle, fuelled by the desire to become an England regular and prove to everyone that he should have played more at the Euros.
While it was a shame to see him play so little, it could inadvertently help the Magpies and encourage Gordon to take his game to an even greater level. He was outstanding last season, but there is still even more to come – this setback could end up being a positive.
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