GARETH SOUTHGATE was reportedly “left miffed” by Anthony Gordon twice at Euro 2024.
The England star played just five minutes in Germany but started in Lee Carsley’s first match in charge against Ireland on Saturday.
Southgate was left bemused after Anthony Gordon fell off his bike in Germany[/caption]Gordon caused problems with his run in behind leading to Declan Rice’s opener in Dublin.
The Newcastle winger is not short of confidence and he praised the “freedom” he and his team-mates were given by the new Three Lions boss.
Gordon may be grateful for Carsley’s interim appointment as he won the Under-21s Euros under him last year, while this summer he was overlooked by Southgate.
He impressed in a substitute appearance against Slovenia in the final Euros group game but that ended up being his only participation in the tournament.
That might have been because Gordon fell from his bike a day later as the squad enjoyed a team ride.
He was left with facial injuries and Southgate was said to be left “miffed” by the incident, as Gordon was using his mobile phone.
Gordon also ruffled feathers with comments he made about the media which appeared to imply that England’s style of play was predictable.
He said: “I know I am a nightmare for anyone that I play against.
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“‘I’m positive. Every time I get the ball, I always try to make something happen.
“I’m not a very safe player. I am always trying to put people on the back foot. I think I add a different element to the team. It (my style) brings a sense of unpredictability.”
Gordon, 23, doubled down on those comments ahead of the Ireland clash.
Asked what England missed at the Euros, he said: “I think that expression, that freedom to express yourself.
“You could say we controlled all our games, but I don’t think we were very dynamic. We weren’t killing teams, we weren’t relentless in trying to score goals. We lacked a bit of excitement.”