England have no more excuses as knockout football awaits at Euro 2024, so says Anthony Gordon, who hopes to feature from the start against Slovakia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate s side have failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations but still topped Group C on five points.
The Three Lions overcame Serbia 1-0 in their opener before disappointing draws followed with Denmark and Slovenia.
Those latter two performances have brought questions over England and Southgate s capabilities, and Gordon acknowledged his side must put in an improved showing in Gelsenkirchen.
I think as a team we just have to come together, we have to perform when the pressure is high, the England youngster said at Friday s pre-match press conference.
Now we re into the knockout stages, so there s no more next game, next team. Now we really have to step up and be the team we can be.
That s on us, we re the ones on the pitch, we re the ones who can make an impact and change things. So I think that as players, you ve just got to take responsibility and accountability.
That s what football is about. That s why you want to be in these games, because the pressure is the highest.
If you win these games, that s where that feeling is that we chase every day. So I think that s a positive.
England will play Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.
— England (@England)
Gordon has been limited to short cameos off the bench in England s first three group games, though caught the eyes of Manchester United great Wayne Rooney with his energy down the left flank.
Displacing Phil Foden on that left-hand side remains Gordon s priority, though the Newcastle United winger insists the side comes before self in tournament football among Southgate s squad.
I think frustration is probably the wrong word, Gordon added when asked about the public outcry for him to feature. It s more of a want to play and want to perform on a bigger stage.
That just comes from my self-belief. I feel like I can impact any game in a positive way. A lot of people have used frustration the past week or so about my minutes, but I think that s the wrong word.
I think six months ago, it would have been crazy because I think the opinion of me compared to now is very different, but I ve worked hard to be in this position and that s what I want.
I want people to be calling for me because, like I said before, that s what I m doing in training. I m giving my very best to cause headaches for selection. That s all I can do. The rest is out of my control.
You ll know for next time, !
— England (@England)
Gordon hit the headlines after suffering a nasty blow to his chin when falling off a bike on England s downtime in Germany.
The 23-year-old, sporting a cut chin and bruised arms, hopes to make light of the situation should the opportunity arise against Slovakia.
I ll put the stabilisers next to the pitch, maybe and you lot [the media] can take credit for the celebration, the forward joked. I ll do it though, I will do it, definitely, you ve got my word.
