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Newcastle United man suffers ‘smack on the nose’ but remains upbeat about England ambitions

Anthony Gordon was a rare highlight for England as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Iceland

Newcastle United talisman Anthony Gordon believes England can benefit from their shock 1-0 defeat to Iceland.

The Three Lions hardly go into Euro 2024 in fine fettle after being stunned on home soil. That loss was England’s final warm-up game before the tournament opener against Serbia next Sunday.

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Gordon started on the left flank and was a rare highlight in an otherwise poor showing from Gareth Southgate’s men. Speaking post-match, the Toon ace insisted England still have what it takes to win the Euros despite their latest smack on the nose.

“No, I’m definitely not worried,” Gordon said post-match. “Good players make it click, good players make it happen. We need time to train together and in a tournament that will happen.

“We’re always going to work. We’re always going to prepare as much as we can. I think we’ve got enough players and enough camaraderie around the group. We are very together.

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“I think that helps in tournaments. Like I said before, good players make it happen. Good players make magic, and that is what we’ll do. Like I said before, good players make it happen. Good players make magic, and that is what we’ll do.”

Gordon went as far as to suggest losing could serve as a blessing in disguise before the big one next week. He added: “That game will do us some good. I think friendly or not, playing for England, you want to win every single game. I thought it was useful practice for us, though, in terms of the opposition we will see during the tournament.

“We will be trying to break down that low block. I thought we controlled the game and got into some good positions, but just a lack of quality around the final third.”