‘Made a mess’: What the national media are saying about Anthony Gordon after watching Newcastle star play for England vs Senegal
Anthony Gordon Struggles to Impress in England’s Defeat to Senegal: National Media React
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon endured a challenging evening as England slumped to a 3-1 loss against Senegal in an international friendly on Tuesday night. The 24-year-old was on the pitch for just under an hour before being substituted, as Thomas Tuchel’s side put in another underwhelming performance at the City Ground.
Gordon was brought into the starting XI following widespread changes made by Tuchel in the aftermath of England’s narrow and unimpressive 1-0 victory over Andorra in their recent World Cup qualifier. That match drew criticism from the national press, particularly targeting Dan Burn’s performance. However, this time it was Gordon, another Newcastle United player, who found himself under scrutiny.
The winger, who is coming off a relatively quiet and disappointing season at the club level, struggled to find his rhythm in what was a disjointed and lackluster team performance overall. The match saw England outclassed by a sharp and clinical Senegal side, who capitalized on defensive lapses and poor finishing to hand Tuchel’s men a sobering defeat.
Despite his struggles, Gordon did have a hand in England’s lone goal. In the first half, his low-driven shot was parried by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy straight into the path of Harry Kane, who made no mistake from close range. It was a moment of promise, suggesting Gordon’s ability to impact proceedings in the final third. However, that highlight was soon overshadowed by a glaring miss.
Shortly after assisting Kane’s goal, Gordon was presented with a golden opportunity to double England’s lead. A pinpoint cross from Kyle Walker found him unmarked at the back post, but Gordon misfired from close range – a miss that would come back to haunt England as Senegal soon wrestled back control.
Media Reaction to Gordon’s Performance
The national media were almost unanimous in their assessment of Gordon’s display, awarding him middling ratings and expressing frustration over his lack of end product.
The Sun rated Gordon 5/10, remarking:
“Gordon’s international career has been a perplexing one – at times brimming with potential but never quite catching fire. His 12th cap showed flashes of what he’s capable of, notably his quick feet and aggressive pressing. But missing a sitter midway through the first half again raised questions about his quality at the international level.”
The London Evening Standard echoed that sentiment with another 5/10 rating, writing:
“He was fairly bright on the wing and drew an early yellow card from Krepin Diatta after beating him with ease. However, the missed opportunity in front of goal was costly and undermined an otherwise energetic display.”
The Daily Mail also gave Gordon a 5/10, noting his involvement in Kane’s goal but criticizing his failure to take advantage of a gilt-edged chance:
“He played a key role in England’s opener but squandered a simple chance to make it 2-0. Those fine margins defined the game.”
Metro likewise delivered a 5/10 verdict:
“His initial shot led to Kane’s opener, but he didn’t manage much else. There were glimpses of danger down the left, but he lacked composure at a critical moment, failing to convert a brilliant Walker delivery.”
The Daily Express was slightly more generous, awarding a 6/10 and writing:
“There were a few encouraging moments in the early stages. Gordon’s shot created the opener, but his miss from a superb cross will linger in the minds of fans.”
Gordon’s Numbers Tell the Story
Statistically, Gordon’s impact was minimal. According to SofaScore data, he touched the ball just 19 times, misplaced three passes, and failed to register a single key pass during his time on the pitch. These figures underscore the limited influence he had, particularly in a match where England needed attacking spark and decisiveness.
To be fair, it’s important to acknowledge the context. Many of the players, including Gordon, are coming off grueling seasons at club level. Playing a post-season friendly without the usual cohesion of a regular squad is never straightforward. Fatigue and unfamiliarity can often mask true potential.
What Comes Next?
While Gordon showed glimpses of promise – particularly in the buildup to Kane’s goal – his overall performance fell short of the standard expected at this level. He remains a player with raw pace and enthusiasm, but questions persist about his decision-making and composure in critical moments.
With England’s Euro campaign approaching and competition for attacking spots intensifying, Gordon will need to offer more if he hopes to solidify a regular role under Tuchel. The England manager has shown a willingness to experiment, but as the pressure to deliver results grows, opportunities may become harder to come by.
For now, Gordon’s international trajectory remains uncertain – full of potential, but in need of a breakthrough performance to turn promise into consistency.