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England winger Anthony Gordon has given an honest assessment of his team’s struggles at Euro 2024 (Image: GETTY)
England winger Anthony Gordon has offered a different assessment of his team’s struggles at Euro 2024 compared to some of his team-mates after admitting “it’s just not clicking”. The Newcastle star came off the bench in the 89th minute to replace Phil Foden as the Three Lions were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia on Tuesday.
England arrived at Euro 2024 with one of the best squads in the tournament but have underwhelmed in front of goal, despite boasting an array of attacking talent.
But Gareth Southgate’s team were unable to find a breakthrough against Slovenia following an underwhelming 1-1 draw with Denmark last week and a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia in their opening clash.
And Gordon had no intention of glossing over England’s woes when he addressed the media on Tuesday evening.
“I think our aim was to make a statement and sort of correct the performance we've had in the past two games,” he explained. “I still think we're in that place. I think we've still got to do better.
“I just think we can do so much better. That's the problem. We've got such good players. In training, we're so good every day. We do everything right. And then it's just not clicking. Hopefully in the coming games it will [click] because we need to start really attacking teams and dominating games.
The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer's Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
England drew 0-0 with Slovenia at Euro 2024 on Tuesday evening (Image: GETTY)
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“I don't think it's nerves. I mean, we've all played on big stages for a while. So I don't think nerves is the best thing to put it down to. I just think as football is like that sometimes.
“I think we're controlling games really well, we keep the ball well. But that direct approach, causing problems and going for teams, is probably what we're missing.
“And you see towards the end of the game, we created a really good chance just from going for it and not worrying about losing the ball.”
Gordon’s comments are out of sync with the views of Three Lions manager Southgate, who avowed his side were “much-improved”. And they may not sit well with captain Harry Kane, who described the match as England’s “best performance out of the three”, or defender John Stones, who insisted he was “super pleased to top the group.”
Meanwhile, Gordon has admitted he is desperate to get more minutes under his belt after creating a chance for Cole Palmer late on.
“It's frustrating because I want to play,” he added. “I think every player here does. It's difficult because you've got so many good players. But watching from the sideline at any game, at any level, is hard. You just want to come on the pitch because you feel you can make an impact.
“I felt I did when I came on. I tried to get at people and be direct and cause problems in the few minutes I got. And I'll always try and do that.”
