The unanswered Anthony Gordon question
After England's Euro 2024 final defeat, Newcastle United fans are all asking the same question about Anthony Gordon.
There were all kinds of questions being asked after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
The big ones were whether Gareth Southgate will continue in the job – and who would replace him if he left the post?
Well, Southgate today resigned from his position, and Graham Potter is favourite with bookmakers to take over the national team.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe, of course, is seen by the Football Association as a potential managerial successor to Southgate, though the 46-year-old, on a long-term contract at St James’ Park, has previously stated his preference for “day-to-day” management at this stage of his career.
Anyway, the question that has been nagging many on Tyneside involves Anthony Gordon.
Just why did Gordon only play a few minutes of football in Germany?
The 23-year-old, a standout performer for Newcastle last season, made one appearance off the bench as an 89th-minute substitute in the group stage game against Slovenia in Cologne.
In the handful of minutes Gordon had on the pitch, the winger was quick and direct, two qualities which England needed in the tournament, and he also played the pass of what had been up to then a poor game.
Yet that cameo would prove to be his last on-pitch involvement.
England lacked balance. They needed an outlet on the left side of the pitch, and, time and again, Newcastle fans were left asking why Southgate hadn’t turned to a player with the pace to hurt any team.
A grazed Gordon – who had fallen off an electric bike while using his mobile phone earlier in the week – was asked about his strengths in a press conference ahead of the Round of 16 game against Slovakia.
“My main strengths are I’m very direct, I’m obviously quick, so I know I’m a nightmare for anyone I play against,” said Gordon.
“I’m positive. Every time I get the ball, I always try and make something happen. I’m not a very ‘safe’ player, I’m always going for it. I’m always trying to put people on the back foot. I think I add a different element to the team.”
England badly needed that positivity at times, yet Gordon didn’t play another minute at Euro 2024.
Southgate, arguably, played it too “safe” at times.
Transfer speculation
Of course, during the tournament there was speculation over Gordon’s club future amid a need at Newcastle to move players out before a June 30 accounting deadline.
In the end, the club moved out Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Gordon, signed from Everton last January, had been linked with a shock move to Liverpool, the team he reportedly supported growing up, but it would be a surprise if the speculation affected his focus at the tournament given his mindset.
At the presser, Gordon – who helped England win the European Under-21 Championships last summer before graduating to the senior team – added that he wasn’t the type of player to knock on a manager’s door if he wasn’t selected.
“I’m not that guy, to be honest,” said Gordon, a voracious reader with a deep interest in sports psychology.
“I just like to give my best, and control the controllables. I think if I train to my very best of my ability, and do the best I can every day, that’s my way of giving him a headache in terms of selection.”
Southgate decision
There’s a lot to like and admire about Southgate, who had an extraordinary record as England manager, having taken the team to two major finals during his eight-year tenure.
However, his decision to overlook Gordon for all but a few minutes at Euro 2024 has baffled many fans.
Gordon – who was quick to console his on-pitch team-mates after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Spain – posted a short message on social media after the final.
“We will be back,” said Gordon. “Massive thank you to everyone who supported us, it didn’t go unnoticed. Time to recharge for the new season.”
England’s loss in Germany this summer will hopefully be Newcastle’s gain this coming season.