Anthony Gordon issues a Stern response to the massive disrespect he has gotten to himself amids Newcastle troubles
Anthony Gordon has been a significant topic of discussion this summer. The Newcastle United star has enjoyed an exceptional first full season at St James’ Park, where his impressive Premier League statistics, including double figures in both goals and assists, earned him a spot in the England squad that traveled to Germany. However, it turned out that he was more of a spectator on a month-long holiday rather than an active part of Gareth Southgate’s strategic plans.
For England fans, it has been excruciating to watch the team’s negative performances on TV as they scraped through each match, winning just one of their five games within the normal 90 minutes, plus injury time. One can only imagine how much more frustrating it must have been for Anthony Gordon. Despite not having to pay for his seat, it was little comfort for the 22-year-old, who was forced to sit on the sidelines, unable to contribute.
Gareth Southgate repeatedly overlooked Gordon, refusing to select any attacking threats on the left wing. Match after match, the most obvious change—bringing on Gordon—was ignored. This left England with no attacking impetus from the left, and frankly, not much from anywhere else. In over two hours of play on Saturday, England only managed three shots on target, with Bukayo Saka’s equalizer in the 80th minute being their first against Switzerland.
The frustration Gordon must have felt, watching England stumble through games against mediocre opposition to reach the semi-finals, is unimaginable. England failed to win in normal time against Denmark, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Switzerland, and barely held on against Serbia after Southgate adopted a highly defensive strategy following an early lead. Throughout the tournament, England averaged only three shots on target per game, two of which included 30+ minutes of extra time.
Gordon was given a single minute of playing time, brought on during the 89th minute of the Slovenia game. Despite a lackluster team performance, he managed to inject some creativity with a brilliant run and a stunning pass from the halfway line to the edge of the box, only for Palmer to squander a one-on-one with the keeper. Gordon’s reward for his moment of brilliance? Being relegated back to the bench and not seen again. This treatment seems to punish creativity, flair, and positive football—qualities Southgate apparently doesn’t value.
Despite this, there is a silver lining for Newcastle United. The frustration and disrespect Gordon experienced will likely fuel his determination to excel under Eddie Howe. Deprived of the chance to showcase his talent during the European Championships, Gordon will be eager to prove himself in club football. He will be driven to show Southgate why he should have been given a proper opportunity and to impress Southgate’s eventual replacement with his skills and attacking prowess.
For Newcastle United, this situation is ideal. Gordon has avoided any injury risks while training with some of the country’s best players, ensuring his fitness is at its peak. He is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming Premier League season. The anticipation to see him in action is palpable, contrasting sharply with the dread of enduring another lackluster England match under Southgate’s management.