Anthony Gordon scored again for England as he linked up with former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold who returned to the Three Lions starting lineup for the first time in two years
Trent Alexander-Arnold produced an impressive assist for Anthony Gordon
Trent Alexander-Arnold produced an impressive assist for Anthony Gordon(Image: Joe Klamar / AFP via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Trent Alexander-Arnold exhibited a Merseyside connection by linking up with Anthony Gordon and sending England on their way to victory over Czechia. The Real Madrid defender made his way back into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI for the first time in two years after missing out on a World Cup squad place over the summer.
Alexander-Arnold provided a trademark cross deep into the box for Gordon to send the bouncing ball back where it came from and past the goalkeeper with his head. Gordon's goal gave England the lead in the 47th minute before Harry Kane doubled the lead after 69 minutes, as the Three Lions earned a win in the Nations League.
Gordon was full of praise for his England team-mate and former Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold. He suggested few players could provide him with an assist of such quality.
"Not many, I said that to him when I scored," Barcelona ace Gordon told ITV Sport. "I make that run time and time again - like you said, only a set number of players have got that ability, technique and bravery to actually make the mistake trying that pass.
"So, great credit to Trent. That's why he's so good and I've been dying to play with him for that reason."
While they may now be La Liga rivals, Gordon is also happy to have Alexander-Arnold back in the England camp.
"He's had his own journey with England, probably should have played - would have liked to have played more than he has, sorry," Gordon continued. "But he's been a great character this camp, I've really enjoyed being around him. He's trained really well, so he's going to be a great addition."
Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold linked up on England duty
Anthony Gordon and Trent Alexander-Arnold linked up on England duty(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
*FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook page*
Gordon was not alone in being impressed by the quality Alexander-Arnold brought with his passing. "A brilliant ball, what a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. That is a really good header - exactly what England needed," said ex-Arsenal defender Lee Dixon on commentary.
Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was impressed by both players as they handed England the lead. "That's just what England needed, just the tonic," he said.
"Both Czech Republic players switch off. It's a difficult one for Anthony Gordon because it bounces up in front of him.
"He stoops and he heads it back across the goalkeeper and that is the perfect start for Thomas Tuchel and England in this second half. Lovely ball from Trent Alexander-Arnold into the 18-yard box."
Gordon was happy to have scored the header, having worked on the skill in training. The former Everton winger conceded it was a rare event.
"I think it's my only header," he said. "I'm probably the worst header of the ball you'll ever see. But no, really happy, really proud to have scored that goal because I can't tell you how many hours I've worked on heading in training. I don't think I've ever scored one, so really happy."
Ensure our latest news and what's on headlines always appear at the top of your Google search by making us a preferred source. Click here to activate or add us as a preferred source in your Google search settings.