The goals were scored by two players who had previously represented Ireland, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, but it was Anthony Gordon who received the most praise during and after the game.
Coming into the second half, former Newcastle winger Andros Townsend said on co-commentary duties for ITV that Gordon was England's best player in the first half.
It was a sentiment echoed by Ian Wright at full-time on ITV with the former Arsenal man praising Gordon for getting in behind defenders.
Grealish goal celebration england gordon newcastle united nufc 2000
Anthony Gordon celebrates with Jack Grealish as he scores England's second goal
Ian Wright took a wee swipe at Harry Kane while praising Anthony Gordon
Anyone who watched England under Gareth Southgate would attest that seeing players beat the last line of defence and get in behind is something of a novelty, especially as Harry Kane spends most of his time for England camped in the centre circle. It's baffling how he has so many goals for his country.
Ian Wright, while admitting that Gordon should have scored initially before contributing to the opening goal, praised the Newcastle winger for his running and willingness to attack (h/t HITC).
“Very, very impressive from England, I thought Ireland would have been a lot tighter to them.
“But saying that, they have been passing into areas. Passing it with pace and passing it through the lines. You saw with the first goal, it was a brilliant run from Anthony Gordon. Even with Harry Kane in the middle. You are seeing somebody who is willing to run in behind, which is something we haven’t had in a while.
“Then you flood the box, good effort from Harry Kane, but then Declan Rice, who has been making that late break into the box all day, making those late runs, has come in again. It’s the run from Gordon. The fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold has got so much time on the ball (to play a ball over the top). I think Gordon should score this (one-v-one). He did a great interview (before the game) about what he wanted to do and those chances he has to take. In the end, they got the ball back in and then bam, Declan scores a fantastic goal.”
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Newcastle have to focus on keeping Anthony Gordon happy
Gordon still doesn't look to be 100% which, considering his energy and his contribution to the game last night, is pretty frightening.
Once he gets up to speed again, he's going to be so dangerous. If Newcastle can convince him that his long-term future belongs at the Toon and not at Liverpool, and he gets his head back on straight then Gordon could even go on to out-do last season's amazing performances.
Keeping hold of Gordon was massive for Newcastle this summer, but now it's about making him happy and feeling appreciated after being offered up as a PSR sacrifice.
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