Mon 17 Jun 2024, 09:30 · Ash Harrison

Newcastle's 'Mr Dependable' helps England get off to the perfect start at Euro 2024 while Anthony Gordon watches on

Newcastle's 'Mr Dependable' helps England get off to the perfect start at Euro 2024 while Anthony Gordon watches on
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Newcastle United have two representatives in the England squad at Euro 2024 and both had contrasting nights as England got their tournament underway.

Serbia were England's first opponents in the 2024 UEFA European Championships and things got off to a fantastic start for the Three Lions with a 1-0 win.

Newcastle's Kieran Trippier was on from the start playing at left-back and despite giving the ball away with his first pass, ended up having a decent game with Sky Sports calling him "Mr Dependable" while giving him a seven for his efforts.

Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon was forced to watch from the bench as Gareth Southgate made some baffling substitutions that did not include our £45million winger.

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Kieran Trippier celebrating Jude Bellingham's goal

England went to sleep in the second half

England were outstanding in the first 20 minutes or so, taking the lead via a Jude Bellingham header in the 13th minute.

It looked like the Three Lions would go on and bag a decent win after dominating the first half, but something happened at half time and it didn't feel like the same England side came out of the tunnel.

Serbia had plenty of possession and threatened England's goal several times with Jordan Pickford forced into some fine saves.

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Where was Anthony Gordon, Gareth?

Phil Foden, playing on the left became anonymous and the game was primed for Anthony Gordon's fresh legs and lightning pace to come on and inject some urgency back into England's game, but instead Southgate opted to hook Bukayo Saka and put on Jarrod Bowen - who did have a good game, to be fair.

Conor Gallager - we all know my thoughts on him - was somehow brought on ahead of Gordon as was Kobbie Mainoo while Phil Foden saw out the entire 90 minutes.

England were able to hold that 1-0 lead and eventually won the game, but we can't help but feel Gordon would have given that game what it needed - unless it was Southgate's plan to just sit on a 1-0 lead for 77 minutes, which wouldn't surprise me.

Denmark are up next on Thursday. Kick off is 5pm for that one. Hopefully, Gordon will get some time to shine in that one.