Gordon: I need to play well…even in training!
Southgate admits Toon raider a ‘serious contender’ for Euros
ANThONY GOrDON was not looking ahead to the euros or even tomorrow’s game against Belgium back at Wembley. Instead, a training session at St George’s Park and another chance to impress Gareth Southgate was his only concern.
This is the stuff we do not see, the days when a manager’s thinking is influenced. Last week, Gordon trained alongside Jude Bellingham every day on the left of an attacking three. Come Saturday, he was making his england debut in the same position.
Southgate will like Gordon, in the same way eddie howe does at Newcastle. he trains as he plays and never misses a minute, be that through the week or come the weekend. ‘Availability is the best ability,’ he told Mail Sport this month.
But, with england, you also need something more. Against Brazil, Gordon was england’s next best after Bellingham. he did not guarantee a seat on the plane to the finals, but his partner Annie — long since wanting to book a summer holiday — could well be minded to swap those brochures for a German phrasebook. The winger was industrious, dependable and responsible for two of england’s three shots on target.
‘ It was not quite how I envisaged it — I’m quite hard on myself, so I wanted to score and win,’ said Gordon. ‘ But it’s still an amazing day for me, I relished every minute of it.
‘It’s been the best day of my life. I have imagined it in the garden since I was a kid, recreating rooney and Gerrard’s goals. I’ve got a taste now, so I want more.’
When he was replaced by Marcus rashford in the 75th minute, there was a warm embrace with Southgate. What did he say?
‘he was saying, “Fantastic”,’ revealed Gordon. ‘he was really pleased for me and I think he was happy with my performance.’
Did he say you were on the plane? ‘No! hopefully he says that in a couple of months,’ said the 23-year- old. ‘But I’m not thinking that far ahead. I’ve still got so much to do in this camp. I just want to make an impact every single day. I’ve still got a long, long way to go. I haven’t yet shown them what I can do to a full extent.’
It was, though, more than enough to satisfy his manager, who said: ‘ he did what we thought he was going to do. he showed what he’s done for his club. he’s a serious contender.’
Gordon’s connection with Bellingham was evident and that would not have been lost on Southgate, who will build his team around the real Madrid star. ‘I’ve loved being around him (Bellingham),’ said Gordon.
‘he’s a bona fide superstar in every way, the way he carries himself. he’s helped me loads since I’ve come in, on and off the pitch. To play with him is great, he’s always trying to be positive and make an impact.’
The same could be said of Gordon, and that is why there is every chance he’ll be joining Bellingham in Germany come June.
But while Gordon seized his chance to make an impression, Conor Gallagher let one slip through his fingers. england’s holding-midfield berth alongside Declan rice is up for grabs but Gallagher missed an opportunity to make it his own, with an errorstrewn display.
‘There were good moments and bad moments,’ admitted the 24- year- old. ‘ Growing in confidence comes with games. hopefully I can build on this, get more confident and play a part.’