Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon will believe that he should be a starter for England.
The 23-year-old is starting to establish himself as a consistent figure in the England squad, but the Newcastle United player is certainly not a guaranteed starter as it stands.
He was in the starting XI for England’s defeat to Greece, with Alan Shearer criticising Gordon for his performance.
England then went on to beat Finland, but there was no Anthony Gordon. He was an unused substitute, with Jack Grealish taking his place on the left wing and scoring a goal in a 3-1 win.
Anthony Gordon named in England’s best XI
While Gordon was not involved in England’s win over Finland, many fans believe he should still be a starter for the Three Lions.
The Rest Is Football podcast have proven that, after they asked their listeners to vote on what they think is England’s best starting XI right now.
Playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, Anthony Gordon got the nod to start on the left wing.
England’s best XI according to The Rest Is Football: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Palmer, Gordon; Kane.
Micah Richards agrees about including Newcastle United star
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards discussed the fan-voted team on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, with the latter in complete agreement with the side that was selected.
“That’s a marvellous team,” he said.
“Bellingham further back with Rice, brilliant. You’ve still got your fullback who can come into midfield.
“You’ve got pace down the left with Luke Shaw. You’ve got Gordon to run in behind because Kane could come short. You’ve got Grealish to come off the bench. You’ve got Cole Palmer in the number 10, Saka to the right. And Foden and Palmer can rotate.”
What Gordon must do to cement his place in the England team
Throughout the Euros, fans were desperate to see Gordon play on the left of attack. It was clear that England needed more width – Gareth Southgate needed someone that could run beyond due to Harry Kane’s desire to drop deep.
Newcastle’s number 10 was perfect for that role, but he was continuously ignored by the now former England boss. Gordon was disappointed about barely playing at the Euros, but must now focus on the future.
He is an establishing himself as a regular in the England squad, but needs to add goals and assists to his game on the international stage to be a consistent starter.
That is what he did for Newcastle United last season. Now he is one of Eddie Howe‘s most reliable players.
Gordon needs to do the same for England, whether it is for Lee Carsley or whoever else the FA decide to appoint at the next Three Lions boss.
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