Anthony Gordon theory – Is this the real reason he’s been snubbed twice by Southgate?

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Last season, Anthony Gordon was undoubtedly one of the best left-wingers in the Premier League. His energy, pace, ability to run at his man, press high and deliver in the final third was a constant and saw him deservedly called up to England’s Euro 2024 squad.

However, two games into the tournament out in Germany, he’s yet to play a single minute. Despite the Three Lions falling flat in the second half of last week’s 1-0 win over Serbia, Phil Foden’s constant struggles on the left and last night’s awful display in a 1-1 draw with Denmark, Gordon was left on the bench on both occasions by Southgate.

We were crying out for some width down the left, some pace in behind and a bit of intensity, so it just doesn’t make sense. So, what on earth is the reason? Here’s my theory.

After our 1-0 defeat to Iceland in our final warm-up game less than two weeks ago, Gordon told Channel 4 after the game, “it’s the first time I’ve kicked a ball in four weeks.” This was the game after he missed out on our St James’ Park friendly with Bosnia the week prior, so I can only presume a niggling injury is still causing him a problem?

That tackle from Man Utd’s Sofyan Amrabat left a lasting mark in our end-of-season trip to Old Trafford, ruling him out of our final day win at Brentford. After that, he missed the Bosnia game and barely trained before featuring against Iceland.

The fact he’s sat on the bench two games running when our left side was lacking everything he’d offer when fit, so I can only presume he’s not right. It’s the only reasonable explanation – or am I giving Southgate too much credit?

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Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/06/21/anthony-gordon-theory-is-this-the-real-reason-hes-been-snubbed-twice-by-southgate/

Author : Olly Hawkins

Publish date : 2024-06-21 06:01:30

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