Andros Townsend hails Anthony Gordon as England's 'best player' in win over Ireland

England's first game post-Gareth Southgate was a lot different to what we were used to.

Lee Carsley set up a very attacking side to take on the Republic of Ireland who gave a very hostile reception to Declan Rice and Jack Grealish who both represented Ireland before defecting to England.

England played a much more fluid attacking style of football than Gareth Southgate's ultra-defensive boring brand that left everyone frustrated during Euro 2024.

A big part of that attacking play was Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, who, despite not picking up a goal or assist, was involved in almost every positive action in the first half.

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Anthony Gordon should have scored for England tonight

As the teams came out for the second half with England 2-0 up thanks to goals from the aforementioned defectors, Andros Townsend who was on co-commentary duty for ITV said that Anthony Gordon was England's best player in the first half.

Unfortunately, England's performance dipped massively in the second half and they weren't able to build on their comfortable lead.

As creative as Gordon was, he should have opened his account for his country seconds before Declan Rice opened the scoring but his shot was blocked by Liverpool 'keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but Gordon regained possession and squared the ball which eventually found its way to Rice to power home.

Gordon is getting closer to being back to his best

Gordon still doesn't look 100% up to speed but with each game he is shaking off that little bit more rust.

If he gets a decent run out on Tuesday as England take on Finland then he might be just about 100% when Newcastle take on Wolves next weekend.

Tino Livramento and Nick Pope were both unused substitutes this evening, but Tino will no doubt be hoping to be involved on Tuesday.