Featured Image Credit: ITV - Getty Images
Topics: Anthony Gordon, Jack Grealish, Manchester City, Premier League, Newcastle United, England, Lee Carsley
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Anthony Gordon, Jack Grealish, Manchester City, Premier League, Newcastle United, England, Lee Carsley
Anthony Gordon was full of praise for England teammate Jack Grealish after the Three Lions cruised to a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
New interim manager Lee Carsley made a number of bold decisions ahead of their Nations League clash in Dublin.
Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White, who impressed under Carsley at youth level, were both handed senior debuts on Saturday after receiving surprise call-ups to the squad.
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And after being used sparingly throughout this summer's European Championship campaign, Anthony Gordon was handed a much-deserved start alongside Jack Grealish.
Grealish was left out of Gareth Southgate's final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 – a decision that brought more questions than answers – but Carsley is clearly a big fan of the Manchester City man.
The 28-year-old flourished in a more central role against the Republic of Ireland, and was given license to drift, which created gaps in the final third.
Speaking to ITV after the final whistle, Anthony Gordon was asked why it clicked so well for England at the Aviva.
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"I think freedom, You had Jack [Grealish] going all over the pitch and they couldn’t really pick up where we were putting ourselves. And me and Bukayo [Saka] tried to hold the width and the depth and make runs in behind so the lads could get on the ball more."
When asked how important Grealish was in the 2-0 victory, Gordon added: "I think it’s really important for his confidence. He’s a top player, I think everyone knows that, but I think that position really suits him where he’s that free spirit. It's where he played at Aston Villa and I thought he was excellent today."
You can watch the interview in full below:
Grealish will be hoping to build on Saturday's performance after missing out on this summer's Euro 2024 squad.
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He recently said it was one of the worst summers of his life. “It was difficult but it has given me something to bounce back from," the midfielder added.
“I need to start playing regularly, scoring goals. I’m still not 100 percent fit but I am getting there so, from a personal point of view, I’m happy."