England face Slovakia in a crucial Euro 2024 clash in Gelsenkirchen as the Three Lions face a battle to secure a quarterfinal spot.
The Three Lions finished top of Group C, despite only picking up five points from three games, and Gareth Southgate has come under pressure to rotate his team for their Round of 16 showdown with Slovakia.
Southgate only made one change to his starting XI, with Kobbie Mainoo coming in for Conor Gallagher. But England’s lack of balance and penetration in attack has led to plenty calling for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon to feature.
The former Everton star has only played a few minutes at Euro 2024 but a bizarre injury did not block him from being named in the matchday squad against Slovakia.
Despite only playing a cameo role so far at the tournament, Gordon was an initial injury concern for Southgate, following a cycling accident after the group stages.
As part of a squad bike ride at the England training base, Gordon fell of his bike, and suffered gashes to his face, arms and hands.
The 23-year-old admitted the accident occurred as he try to film himself whilst cycling and the Magpies star has been mocked by his teammates ahead of the Slovakia game.
Despite the fall, Southgate has confirmed no lasting damage, and he is available for selection against Slovakia.
Gordon offered a tongue-in-cheek response when asked about thee accident and his injury during pre-game media duties.
We went on what was meant to be a recovery bike ride. It was a lovely day. I was going down a hill, trying to take a quick video for my family, just to show them what I was doing.
Before I knew it, I was head first into the floor. The bikes are electric so they are faster than normal bikes and, in England, the front brake is on the right-hand side. I have gone ten feet in the air, chin first.
Gordon insisted there will be no hangover on getting on a bike again and he promised a special goal celebration if he scores against Slovakia
I’ll put stabilisers next to the pitch maybe and you lot [the media] will get credit for the celebration. I will do it. You’ve got my word.
Southgate stuck with the bulk of his preferred starting team against Slovakia, with Kobbie Mainoo coming in for Conor Gallagher. With the Three Lions 1-0 down Gordon remained poised for a possible salvage job from the bench.
