Newcastle United's £45m purchase of Anthony looks like a snip
Anthony Gordon was many people's shout for man of the match on his England debut despite a 1-0 defeat at Wembley for Gareth Southgate's side.
After being Newcastle's shining light in the Premier League with 10 goals and seven assists to his name, he made the step up from club level to the international stage look easy. When Gordon went off against Brazil, England's hopes of a result seemed to go with him.
The Scouser did more than enough to stake his claim for a place in Gareth Southgate's squad for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany at Wembley last night on his Three Lions bow. Playing on the left-hand side of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and Man City ace Phil Foden in 4-2-3-1 formation with Ollie Watkins up top, his first half performance impressed ex-Three Lions star Joe Cole.
Cole said during Channel 4's coverage of the friendly clash: "Gordon got a lot of the ball and was bright and brave. We looked more comfortable in possession than the Brazilians which we wouldn't have imagined saying.
"But we have to be mindful of the counterattack because Brazil have so much quality it only takes Guimaraes one or two passes to get it over our midfield."
Gordon had 31 touches in the first half and for an England debutant had the audacity to have three shots on goal as he tried to make an impression with one effort forcing a save from Brazil stopper Bento. The £45million star had the honour of making his debut in front of watching England and Newcastle legends Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne on a proud night in the capital.
In the second half Gordon linked up well with Chelsea star Ben Chilwell and aimed a ball into the danger area but it was cleared by the Brazilian defensive rearguard on 52 minutes. Southgate made changes mid-way through the second half but even though many Newcastle fans would probably have been content to see Gordon retire early on the night, he had no interest in coming off and turned his back on the bench as if to signal he wanted to stay on as long as possible.
Gordon slipped in Ollie Watkins on the left but the Aston Villa star hesitated and the chance was snuffed out. Gordon's number would come up eventually with 15 minutes to go as he was replaced by Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.
By then Gordon had made an impact and made his point that he can be relied upon this summer with 53 touches in all and four attempts at goal against a Brazil side ranked fifth in the world. England actually lost some impetus when Gordon went off as 17-year-old future Real Madrid player Endrick tucked home with 10 minutes left to hand Brazil the lead.
More minutes against Belgium on Tuesday night could help seal that place in Southgate's final squad for Germany next week. But after a week rubbing shoulders with Bellingham and co, Newcastle's £45million acquisition from Everton last year is now looking like a snip.
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