Interim England manager Lee Carsley handed Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon a starting spot against Ireland on Saturday and he did not disappoint.
In what was his first game in charge of the Three Lions, Lee Carsley led England to a 2-0 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who had both represented Ireland at youth level, scored in the win. But there were several impressive performances across the pitch in what was a free-flowing England performance.
Nick Pope, Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon were all called up for the England squad, and Gordon was handed a starting spot by Carsley.
The 23-year-old has not yet got going for the Magpies this season with manager Eddie Howe admitting that Gordon is not yet fully fit.
Gordon joined the England squad for Euro 2024 over the summer but was only given a handful of minutes in the tournament by Gareth Southgate.
Lee Carsley comments on Anthony Gordon performance
If Gordon is lacking fitness, he certainly didn’t show it in his 77-minute performance against Ireland on Saturday afternoon.
Playing on the left of a front three, Gordon looked back to his best with direct running and relentless pressing.
He ended the match with a 90 percent pass accuracy, creating one big chance and only losing possession five times. A superb showing.
After the match, Carsley was full of praise for the Newcastle winger.
Speaking on ITV1 [7:12pm], Carsley said: “On a really dry sticky pitch, it’s not often ideal for dribblers, but I thought Anthony was very good, a real threat.
“He has carried on his form from last season. He looks a real dangerous player.”
Anthony Gordon is getting back to his best
Carsley’s comments – and Gordon’s performance – should excite Newcastle fans and Howe in particular if he is returning to his form from last season.
Despite a scrappy few games to start the season, Newcastle find themselves unbeaten and in a strong league position.
READ MORE: Nick Pope now offers fitness update after Newcastle injury blow
Many of Newcastle’s key players, including Gordon, are still building up match rhythm and fitness and they will only improve as the matches keep coming.
Alexander Isak has also enjoyed a great international break with Sweden and both he and Gordon should return to Tyneside full of confidence.
Trips to Wolves and Fulham are up next for Newcastle and, hopefully, Gordon can carry the momentum from his England performance back to his club football.
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