ENGLAND fans have pointed out the performance that proves Anthony Gordon should start against Slovenia.
The Newcastle winger, 23, is yet to play a single minute at Euro 2024.
Following the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw with Denmark, England‘s misfiring attack has come under the microscope.
Reigning Premier League Player of the Season Phil Foden is yet to shine on the left flank, while Bukayo Saka has not provided his best form on the right.
After last night’s game, a clip from one of Gareth Southgate‘s finest games in charge surfaced online.
In 2018, the Three Lions beat Spain 3-2 in Seville.
On that occasion, Southgate’s men led 3-0 at half-time, having played some scintillating football on the counter.
Skipper Harry Kane was involved in all three goals, dropping deep to find pacey runners in behind to devastating effect.
With Kane’s form having come into question after the Denmark game, fans harked back to that Spain victory.
Posting a clip of the three goals, one wrote: “When you actually have runners off Kane… one of England’s best performances under Southgate. Build around your best player not hinder.”
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A second subsequently pointed out: “That means you have to play Bowen and Gordon really.”
While a third commented: “Newcastle bias but how Gordon isn’t getting on or game time is incredibly shocking.”
And another claimed: “Been saying this, if you have to play Foden, play him in the 10, Jude as an 8 then Gordon off the left, in international football you need pace.”
Against Spain, Kane lined up with Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford.
Sterling produced two emphatic finishes on that night, following great work from Kane in the build-up.
While Rashford also got his name on the scoresheet.
In addition to Gordon, Cole Palmer is also yet to feature at all at Euro 2024.
While West Ham star Bowen has made two cameos from the bench.
Southgate, 53, has started Kane, Saka and Foden as his front three in both matches thus far.
But he did raise eyebrows against Denmark by making a triple change in the 69th minute.
The England boss removed his front three, throwing on Ollie Watkins, Bowen and Eberechi Eze.
His changes were in vain, however, with England failing to find a winner.
England will next be in action on Tuesday, when they meet Slovenia in Cologne.
ENGLAND's lifeless display in the 1-1 draw with Denmark left pundits and legends queuing up to take a dig at Gareth Southgate's team.
Here’s the best of what was said…
ALAN SHEARER
“Awful performance, particularly after going up in the game.
“I don’t think one England player can look at themselves and say, ‘I’ve done my job tonight’.
“England were all over the place, far too sloppy in possession, gave the ball away too much and got caught too many times.
“There was no energy, no pace, no guile — Southgate is simply not getting the best out of England’s best players.
“It’s concerning and Gareth will get some serious questions.
“You saw England players lying on their backs — they look absolutely shattered but there’s no excuse for that.”
GARY LINEKER
The BBC host called the performance “lifeless and tepid”.
On Harry Kane he said: “He needs his manager to ask more of him. I would have expected that if I’d put in that kind of performance.”
RIO FERDINAND
“The players don’t look the same as they do for their clubs. It is a big concern.”
ROY KEANE
“Courage and bravery, we’re not really seeing it.
“There’s something amiss with the balance. Bellingham is waving his arms.
“This is a big test for Gareth. It looks like he’s overthinking things.”
JAMIE CARRAGHER
“My big worry watching this and for the rest of the tournament?
“England look absolutely knackered. They can’t get close to the ball.
“The surest sign of fatigue is dropping deep.
“Declan Rice is having to cover so much ground. No-one can convince me this is a strategy.”
JACK WILSHERE
“It’s strange that we have taken the lead in both games so far, yet instead of it settling us down and giving us the confidence to play, we have failed to take control.
“But what was most worrying was that Denmark had a clear way of playing — while we didn’t.”
