Anthony Gordon had a night to remember as the Everton winger scored two on his England U21s debut against the Czech Republic, thrilling Lee Carsley and Rob Green on Sky Sports.
Young Lions head coach Carsley rewarded Gordon with his first U21s call-up last week for his Goodison Park form.
Rafa Benitez handed Gordon his first Premier League start of the term against Manchester United. He also opened the action against Watford and Tottenham Hotspur, against whom the forward played a full 90-minutes in the top-flight for the first time in his young career.
Gordon had impressed former Everton midfielder Carsley ahead of England’s European U21 Championship qualifiers with the Czech Republic and Georgia.
And immediately repaid Carsley’s faith, with goals in the fourth and 11th-minutes at home to the Czech Republic on Thursday. Setting the Young Lions up to win 3-1 and go second in Group G, two points behind the Czechs.
England started brightly and freed Gordon down the left-flank, before the Everton product carved some space to shoot. The 20-year-old was somewhat fortunate to score, with Czech captain Filip Kaloc helping the ball over the line.
But there was no doubting Gordon’s second, lurking at the back post to head home into an empty net. And he could have had a hat-trick, but for Matej Kovar producing a strong save.
Everton gem Gordon thrills Carsley and Green on England U21 debut
Benitez will have loved watching Gordon excel on the Everton talent’s England U21s debut against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
Gordon left a strong impression on Young Lions boss Carsley with his debut double, too. With the 47-year-old – who played 198 times for Everton – telling Sky Sports: “Anthony was very difficult to play against tonight.”
The £10k-a-week winger, with 29 first-team games in royal blue so far, also impressed ex-England and West Ham goalkeeper Green.
“On his debut, it was something a little bit special that Gordon could only dream of,” Green said. “It is something he will remember for the rest of his career.
“Scoring on his debut and he looked a real threat. We talked about [Manchester City’s 19-year-old striker] Cole Palmer in the build-up, but he’s stolen the show tonight.”
Gordon is yet to score for Everton over his senior appearances, but came close to opening his account at Wolves. Forcing Jose Sa into a sprawling save in their 2-1 loss this month.
Man City gem Palmer had already scored twice in three England U21 outings before facing the Czech Republic. He also has two goals in nine games under Pep Guardiola, plus 17 goals and nine assists in 24 U23s appearances and 20 goals for the Citizens’ U18s.
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