The Three Lions defeated Serbia 1-0 on Sunday night, with Jude Bellingham scoring the only goal on a difficult night for Gareth Southgate’s team.
England’s performance was not convincing, despite the fact that they won. They were unable to hold possession of the ball in the second half, demonstrating a complete lack of game management, which nearly allowed Serbia to equalise.
Fortunately, they did not, and England can now continue to prepare for its encounter against Denmark on Thursday evening.
But Southgate, who surprisingly kept Gordon on the bench against Serbia, has issues to address ahead of that game, particularly on the left side of the attack.
While Gordon was expected to start there, Phil Foden was given the nod.
However, the Manchester City superstar struggled to make an impact after being forced to play out of position, prompting questions about how Southgate can get the most out of Foden in an England shirt.
It’s a case of’square pegs in round holes’ with him on the left, and there are other players who are far more suited to operate there. And Gary Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, thinks Gordon is one of them.
āIt will be interesting to see how Gareth manages that situation on the left-hand side,ā he said.
āYou have got an obvious player that can play on the left-hand side in Anthony Gordon.
āEze as well. There is so much talent in that team that it is a little bit exasperating that when they get 1-0 in front and the team, for some reason, sits back.ā
Foden is a more skilled player than Gordon. However, Gordon is a superior left winger than Foden.
The Manchester City star made no effect on Sunday night, as Southgate chose to play Jude Bellingham in an advanced midfield role. That decision paid off as the 20-year-old was named England’s match winner and best player.
However, it was to Foden’s detriment, since he is likely to be benched for the Three Lions’ second game.
If Southgate wants to stick with the same system, he needs a more natural choice on the left side of attack. Gordon fulfils the description and is a ‘obvious’ choice for the starting XI. The Newcastle United winger will maintain his width and possesses the same speed on the right as Bukayo Saka, which made him such a threat against Serbia in the opening half.
However, dropping Premier League Player of the Season Phil Foden would be a big move by Southgate.
For more related news click Here