Joe Cole feels Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon could provide striker option for England - 'Food for thought'
Published 28/09/2024 at 18:06 GMT+1
TNT Sports experts Joe Cole and Joleon Lescott piled praise upon Anthony Gordon after the 23-year-old put in a strong performance in the striker role, filling in for the injured Alexander Isak in Newcastle's 1-1 draw against Manchester City. Cole and Lescott earmarked Gordon's pressing ability, and the former identified him as a potential option for England's No. 9 berth.
‘Food for thought’ – Cole says England should consider playing Gordon in No. 9 role
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Anthony Gordon could be a potential option for England's striker berth, TNT Sports expert Joe Cole believes, after the 23-year-old displayed an "exceptional" performance in place of injured Alexander Isak in Newcastle United's 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday.
Gordon put City's back-line under pressure with his turn of pace and strong pressing ability, and his efforts eventually saw reward as he was brought down in the box by Ederson in the second half, with the England international converting the penalty to condemn Pep Guardiola's side to a share of the spoils at St James' Park.
TNT Sports expert Cole feels his performance in the striker role gives "food for thought" over potentially filling the role for his country - after a Euro 2024 campaign in which England's movement up front was a notable weakness.
"I’m really impressed with him," Cole said. "Especially in that position, he gives you an option.
"Joleon can’t give you an answer as he’s in the [England] set-up, but I think that’s food for thought. For the manager, playing him in there, the pressing was exceptional.
"As good of a pressing performance from a No. 9 as I’ve seen in a long time. There’s not many that buy into it as much as he does. That set the tone.
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"Newcastle were brilliant behind the ball, but he was so important to them. It came off the ball."
Lescott - now a part of the England coaching team - also had high praise for Gordon, hailing the forward's "very high football IQ" and his attitude towards the less-rewarding sides of the game.
"In terms of involvement, you get more involvement from Anthony from the left-hand side," Lescott said. "A winger that loves one-v-ones.
"Having worked with him for years now, especially in the Under-21s, he played for us as a No. 9 in a tournament. He was player of the tournament as a No. 9 and you can talk about it being a false No. 9, but he can run in behind.
"I’ve never met someone as enthusiastic about working as hard off the ball as when he’s in possession.
"You can see every action, he’s 100% effort, so it’s no surprise he got cramp. You also have to have a very high football IQ to play those three positions exceptionally well."
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HOWE: GORDON SHOWED 'HOW DYNAMIC HE CAN BE'
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was delighted with Gordon's performance filling in for the injured Isak, and felt the England international's selfless work up front allowed his side to eventually force Ederson's hand in giving away a penalty.
"Gordy did really well today because it's a different position for him," Howe told TNT Sports. "He's got to play it in his way and you can see there were some challenges for him but there was also some brilliant moments.
"His pressing gave us an ability to get to Ederson. An ability to destabilise their control, that's down to his athletic ability but also his attitude.
"On the ball you can see highlighted by his penalty how quick he is, how dynamic he can be. I was really pleased with him today."
Ahead of the match, which was shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+, Gordon said he was "close" to a resolution over a new contract at the club.
Newcastle's Wor Flags group provided a big display of support for Gordon before the match, and Howe spoke of his desire to keep him in his ranks.
"We love Anthony we want him to stay we want him to be a part of what we're doing here," he said. "The Wor Flags display speaks volumes for the supporters here, they're very intelligent, they know when a player needs a lift, some love, that collective show of unity for him was really important."
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