Three Lions, one player and a question of lion-heartedness
Ben White's recall not gone down well with fans.
Anthony Gordon went to Euro 2024, fell off his bike, trained with cuts and bruises and took some ribbing from his England team-mates. Sore ribbing in many ways. The pacy winger, in form at Newcastle United, could also have been sore about not being considered the answer to England’s left-sided problem. He played only six minutes all Euros, replacing Phil Foden against Slovenia in Cologne. Gordon expressed “disappointment” that he didn’t play more but that was it. No complaints. He appreciates the privilege of representing his country.
Now that Thomas Tuchel has brought Ben White back in from his self-imposed exile, it is only right to ask: what message does it send to those players who report squad in, squad out, often not getting on, even going to tournaments and featuring rarely, if at all, but never lose their pride in reporting for duty? What message does it send to supporters? I asked one of the leading England home-and-away fans, who’s on plenty of WhatsApp groups with fellow cappers, about the general response amongst fans. “Mostly that he shouldn’t be in the squad. He’s made his bed…”
They like those players who give their all, who don’t turn their commitment to England on and off. They love those who persevere. In the season after the Euros, Gordon was busily reporting for duty under Lee Carsley, seizing his opportunity. He played his way into Carsley’s plans, and now Tuchel’s. From the bench at one tournament, to probable starter the next, the forthcoming World Cup. Gordon’s character is being rewarded.
I spoke to Gordon at the Euros. We all sensed it must be incredibly frustrating going to tournaments and being on the fringe of the action. But he embraced the challenge. Gordon loves to “run towards pressure…embrace…pressure is a privilege”. He loves the challenge of proving himself worthy of a starting place with England. He doesn’t run away from challenges or difficulties.
Another whole-hearted attacker, Jarrod Bowen, played only 35 minutes out of England’s 690 at the Euros. His passion for England was forged at an early age. There are photos of a seven-year-old Bowen watching England on TV at Euro 2004, face painted with the cross of St George.