Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon impressed in a new and exciting role during England's opening game at the Under-21 European Championships in Georgia and Romania. The Young Lions beat the Czech Republic 2-0 thanks to goals from Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey and Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe.
Gordon started from the outset as Lee Carsley named an attacking XI at the Adjarabet Arena in Georgia. However, instead of being deployed on the left as he so often is in at club level, the ex-Everton man was used through the middle as a central striker.
The 22-year-old helped himself to an assist with a clever flick as Ramsey opened the scoring, before finding the net himself soon after only to see it chalked off for a foul in the build-up. Gordon's clever finish came from a low, driven cross from the right, with the Newcastle man poking home from close range.
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Gordon's St James' Park career is yet to take off after a tumultuous Everton exit and injury issues since arriving on Tyneside for £40m. However, Thursday's performance on the international stage will please Newcastle fans who are expecting a big season from the attacker next term.
Eddie Howe will no doubt have been keeping a close eye on proceedings in Eastern Europe and may have picked up one or two ideas regarding where Gordon could be used next season.
A section of the Geordie faithful want to see another attacking option brought in through to middle given only Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson are battling it out for the central striker role at present.
However, Gordon could be prove to be a more than useful third choice option in that position, as well as offering competition for a starting role on the left. Gordon, Allan Saint-Maximin, Elliot Anderson, Joelinton and Joe Willock could all realistic start out wide as Newcastle kick their campaign off against Aston Villa in August.
Gordon was used as a No 8 in the season finale at Chelsea as he scored his first Newcastle goal. "He is a player of undoubted ability and I am looking forward to seeing him next year," Howe said after the 1-1 draw.
