Some fans wanted the two players to play more at Euro 2024 – but others had a different view.

Two England players have been told by some fans to reject their next international call-up after the amount of game time they received at Euro 2024.

Gareth Southgate’s side reached the final in Berlin, but lost 2-1 to Spain.

The England boss largely relied on a core group of starters throughout the tournament, with 15 of the 26 squad players starting a game in Germany.

 

The likes of Cole Palmer, who scored England’s equaliser against Spain, and Ollie Watkins were reduced to substitute appearances, while Jarrod Bowen came off the bench for the opening two group games and then was not seen again.

There were three outfield players – midfielder Adam Wharton and centre-backs Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk – that didn’t play a single minute in Germany.

But there were other players that fans felt should have been given more opportunities during the tournament.

 

One of those was Anthony Gordon, who had by far his best season at club level with Newcastle by scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists.

But the 23-year-old was brought with just minutes to play during the 0-0 draw against Slovenia in the group stage, and had no time to make an impact on proceedings.

That would prove to be his only appearance of the tournament, as the former Everton winger watched the entire knockout stages from the bench.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, started the opening two group games in midfield alongside Declan Rice, but was dropped in favour of Conor Gallagher and then Kobbie Mainoo.

 

The Liverpool star did come off the bench against Switzerland and scored a penalty in the shootout, but didn’t play in either the semi-final or final.

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And while Mainoo did an outstanding job in replacing Alexander-Arnold, some fans were hoping that the 25-year-old would be given more opportunity to feature in other positions or areas.

One fan wrote: “If I were TAA I would do like Ben White and not make myself eligible for the national team as long as Southgate is coach.”

 

Another said: “Ben White is going to have loads of company on his next summer holiday.”

A third added: “Anthony Gordon should do the same thing that Ben White did.”

A fourth stated: “I feel for Gordon, came on, played the best pass England did all tournament and never got on the pitch again.”

Other fans, though, argued otherwise – stating that not every player can be guaranteed game time at an international tournament, and that unused players are simply a part of international football.

 

That will be a view shared by the vast majority, with every tournament seeing England players subjected to the same fate.

And given White’s personal circumstances in turning down a call-up, it would be highly unlikely to see any other player follow suit – especially given the number of current England players who have spoken about the unity in the group, and the loyalty shown to and by Gareth Southgate.

Whether Gordon or Alexander-Arnold play increasingly important roles under a new manager, if one is appointed, though, remains to be seen.