Rio Ferdinand has made it clear that he wants Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon to start for England against Slovenia.
The Three Lions are preparing for their final group game against Slovenia on Tuesday night, but are safe in the knowledge that they will compete in the round of 16. England have qualified from their group, but will guarantee top spot with a win over Slovenia.
Despite preparing to advance, England have problems. There has been a lot of criticism surrounding their start to Euro 2024, particularly when it comes to their attack.
Gareth Southgate has opted to play Phil Foden on the left wing, which has not really worked. Meanwhile, Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon has been forced to watch on from the bench, having not played a single minute so far.
Pundits want Anthony Gordon to start for England against Slovenia
A lot of people want that to change on Tuesday night against Slovenia, including former England international Rio Ferdinand.
He has been speaking about England’s next game on his YouTube channel, and explained why he wants Gordon to come into the side.
“I think Gordon has got to come into the team to give us some pace and an outlet,” he said.
“Get Gordon in the team and let him off the shackles, man. Let him stay high, come back, transitions – he has got the pace and energy to do it, the enthusiasm. The kid is a hard-working kid, man.”
Ferdinand wants Gordon to start, and that is a view shared by Micah Richards.
The former Manchester City defender has also called on the Toon winger to come into the team, having discussed England’s clash with Slovenia on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“Left hand side we have been screaming out for pace so I would go Gordon,” he said.
“I would play him in his natural position, where he has been playing for Newcastle, this season where he has been electric and in great form.”
Newcastle United star set to be disappointed again
While a lot of pundits are calling on Southgate to bring Gordon into the starting XI, it does not look like the England manager is going to listen to those pleas.
According to the Telegraph, Southgate may only make one change to the England team that drew 1-1 with Denmark. However, it is expected to be Conor Gallagher coming in for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the middle of the park, rather than a change in attack.
The Telegraph add that Foden is expected to retain his place in the side, which means Gordon will probably be on the bench for the third game in a row.
Given England’s struggles, it is baffling that Gordon is yet to feature. Hopefully that changes on Tuesday night, but it will have to be off the bench.
Kieran Trippier to start again for England
While Gordon is not going to start, it looks like Kieran Trippier will.
England have been boosted by Luke Shaw returning to training, but he is not going to feature against Slovenia. That means that Trippier will continue at left-back, which is another reason why a player like Gordon is required.
While Trippier is a great defender, he cannot really attack down his weaker side. The 33-year-old is normally a right-back, which is why he wants to come inside when he is playing on the left. Combine that with Foden doing the same in front of him and England have no width on the left.
Gordon would give you exactly that. He would stay wide and add pace to a stuttering side, whilst also offering Harry Kane more support.
England have a few problems at Euro 2024, and Gordon could solve most of them. However, Southgate looks set to ignore Newcastle’s number 10 once again.
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