Gordon also urged England fans to ‘stick with us’ as they head into the knockout stages at Euro 2024.

Anthony Gordon delivered a candid post-match interview after England stuttered to a far-from-inspiring 0-0 draw with Slovenia.

Gareth Southgate’s side booked their place in the last-16 on Tuesday night as they topped Group C with five points from three games.

So far, it has been a disappointing campaign from the Three Lions, who have recorded a lower xG than any other side that has qualified for the knockout stages at Euro 2024.

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And speaking in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, a frustrated Anthony Gordon delivered a refreshingly honest assessment of England’s tournament so far.

Gordon was brought on for Phil Foden in the 89th minute and created more chances than Bukayo Saka, Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham combined.

“It’s frustrating because I want to play,” he admitted after the game in Cologne. “I think every player here does. It’s difficult because you’ve got so many good players. But watching from the sideline at any game, at any level, is hard. You just want to come on the pitch because you feel you can make an impact.

“I felt I did when I came on. I tried to get at people and be direct and cause problems in the few minutes I got. And I’ll always try and do that.”

Image credit: Getty

Gordon confessed that the group have yet to “click” as they prepare for the knockout stages of the competition.

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“I think our aim was was to make a statement and sort of correct the performance we’ve had in the past two games. I still think we’re in that place. I think we’ve still got to do better,” he said.

“I just think we can do so much better. That’s the problem. We’ve got such good players. In training, we’re so good every day. We do everything right. And then it’s just not clicking. Hopefully in the coming games it will because we need to start really attacking teams and dominating games.

“I don’t think it’s nerves,” he added. “I mean, we’ve all played on big stages for a while. So I don’t think nerves is the best thing to put it down to. I just think as football is like that sometimes.

“I think we’re controlling games really well, we keep the ball well, but that direct approach, causing problems and going for teams is probably what we’re missing. And you see towards the end of the game [against Slovenia], we created a really good chance just from going for it and not worrying about losing the ball.”

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In terms of the fans, who have generally voiced their frustration about England’s performances at Euro 2024, Gordon agreed but also urged supporters to “stick with us” as they head into the last-16.

“I said to a couple of lads that the fans have been so impressive,” the Newcastle United winger said. “They didn’t really stop but again, we’re not creating that many chances. So listen, I’m not gonna say don’t be frustrated because you want to watch good football. Everyone does. But just stick with us. Because winning is the important thing.”

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Here’s how fans on social media reacted to Gordon’s post-match interview.

One said: “Proper interview. Facing up and telling it like it is. The ‘leadership’ group should take note,” while another commented: “Very refreshing interview saying it as it is.”

A third wrote: “Very honest & accurate answers from Gordon. Like us, he’s been watching it, can see where the problems are. Knows what is needed, can be one of the players who brings it.”

A fourth said: “Speaks brilliantly. None of this crying about legitimate criticism from TV pundits doing their job. Refreshing to hear some honesty.”

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A fifth added: “You know what, they’ve sent a young lad who’s played 5 minutes all tournament to do an interview and he’s been the most honest and correct one.”

England will face one of the best third-placed teams in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday 30 June. Thoughts on their performance on Tuesday night? Let us know in the comments.