Despite only being on the pitch for five minutes Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon created more chances and played more key passes (one) than Jude Bellingham did all game for England as they once again limped into the knock-out stages of a major tournament.
Slovenia held England to a 0-0 draw and until the introduction of Anthony Gordon on 89 minutes, they looked as if they could have played all night and never scored.
Gordon instantly burned past his marker down the flank, something that hadn't been done all night, unfortunately, even Gordon's rapid pace couldn't keep the ball from crossing the line for a throw-in, but the intent was visible to see right from the start.
Then a few moments later, Gordon picked up the ball in England's half and threaded a piercing through-ball which ultimately found its way to Cole Palmer who unleased a tame shot straight at Jan Oblak in goal for what was by far England's best chance of the game.
Gordon spoke to the media after the game and once again spoke well and spoke honestly, but you could tell by what he was saying that he was frustrated and having to choose his words carefully.
The £45million signing from Everton admitted to being frustrated having to watch on from the bench when he feels he could have made an impact - something that he proved with the very limited time he received. He went on to sympathise with the fans and asked them to stick with the team as they head into the knock-out stages.
"It's frustrating because, you know, I want to play, I think every player here does, but it's difficult because we've got so many good players. Watching from the sideline at any game at any level is hard because you just want to come on the pitch because feel you can make an impact. I felt like I did when I come on, I tried to just get at people and be direct and cause problems in the few minutes that I got and I'll always try and do that.
"On the bench, I said to the lads the fans have been impressive, they didn't really stop. I think, again, we're not creating that many chances, I'm not going to say don't be frustrated, you want to watch good football, everyone does, But just say stick with us because winning is the important thing."
Gordon said that the mood in the group is focused with everyone wanting to put in the work to put things right, also saying that England are controlling games really well but are lacking that killer instinct.
Again, everyone else can see the solution, we saw it for five minutes last night when Gordon, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo were all on the pitch together and things started to actually happen, but there's one man who refuses to acknowledge it and unfortunately, he's the one that matters.
Please, Gareth, give the people what they want on Sunday and go for it. Regardless of who our opponents end up being, let's actually try and win, eh?
PL | GD | PTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Liverpool
|
14 | 18 | 35 |
2 |
Chelsea
|
15 | 17 | 31 |
3 |
Arsenal
|
15 | 14 | 29 |
4 |
Manchester City
|
15 | 6 | 27 |
5 |
Nottingham Forest
|
15 | 1 | 25 |
6 |
Aston Villa
|
15 | 0 | 25 |
7 |
Brighton
|
15 | 3 | 24 |
8 |
Bournemouth
|
15 | 3 | 24 |
9 |
Brentford
|
15 | 3 | 23 |
10 |
Fulham
|
15 | 2 | 23 |
11 |
Tottenham Hotspur
|
15 | 12 | 20 |
12 |
Newcastle United
|
15 | -2 | 20 |
13 |
Manchester United
|
15 | 1 | 19 |
14 |
West Ham United
|
15 | -8 | 18 |
15 |
Everton
|
14 | -7 | 14 |
16 |
Leicester
|
15 | -9 | 14 |
17 |
Crystal Palace
|
15 | -6 | 13 |
18 |
Ipswich
|
15 | -13 | 9 |
19 |
Wolves
|
15 | -15 | 9 |
20 |
Southampton
|
15 | -20 | 5 |