‘Watching from the sideline at any game at any level is hard’ – Gordonpublished at 11:03
Alex Howell
BBC football news reporter at the England camp
Image source, Getty Images“Frustrating” was the word used by England forward Anthony Gordon after his 88th-minute introduction to Euro 2024 in England’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
The Newcastle forward is one of several attacking options to be used sparingly by manager Gareth Southgate in England’s successful but stumbling group stage.
The feeling was that players such as Gordon, renowned for his work rate and ability to run in behind, could have helped with pressing.
And players such as Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, both so calm in possession in tight areas, could have helped with the England team getting control in matches.
Against Slovenia, Southgate used all three of Palmer, Mainoo and Gordon to try to change the momentum of the game.
Gordon said after the match that the team “can do so much better”.
“I won’t lie to you, it’s frustrating because I want to play, I think every player here does. It’s difficult because we have so many good players.”
“Watching from the sideline at any game at any level is hard. You just want to come on the pitch because you feel you can make an impact, I felt like I did when I came on.
“Training is so good every day and it’s just not clicking. Hopefully in the coming games it will because we need to start attacking teams and dominating games.”