Premier League 'goal machine' decision made as questions raised about Newcastle United star

Gordon is yet to play a minute for England so far at Euro 2024 having remained an unused substitute in the 1-0 win over Serbia and 1-1 draw with Denmark. It’s a complete contrast to Trippier, who has played every minute at left-back despite nursing a slight calf issue.

Luke Shaw’s ongoing fitness concerns mean Trippier is set to start at left-back once again while Gordon is likely to remain on the bench. The only expected change from the Denmark draw is for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the side.

While England have confirmed progress to the last-16 with a game to spare, they will still be looking to claim top spot in Group C with a win over Slovenia. Gareth Southgate’s side have struggled in the final third so far this tournament, leading many to question why attacking threats such as Gordon and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer have remained unused.

Gordon and Palmer had 62 Premier League goal contributions between them during the 2023-24 campaign. Palmer scored an impressive 22 league goals in his first season at Chelsea while Gordon’s first full campaign at Newcastle saw the winger net 11 top flight goals.

And former England and Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson believes both should have been handed more minutes by Southgate already.

“Yes, both Gordon and Palmer,” Johnson said via Betfred. “They both must be sitting there confused wondering why they’re not playing when England are playing this bad.

“If they’re not going to play when England are playing this bad, then when are they ever going to play? They could be thinking that they may as well be at home.

“It’s great for them to both be at the tournament but they’re not playing. I’m surprised that England have been negative and not played either of them. Gordon loves to drive at defenders and Cole has been a goal machine for Chelsea, so it’s a bit strange.

“If you’re not going to play them, then why have they been taken in the first place?”

A win for England against Slovenia guarantees a first place finish in the group that would see them face a third-placed side in the last-16. A draw may also be enough to top the group should Denmark fail to beat Serbia.

Should England finish second, they will face hosts Germany in the last-16.