Gordon hails Alexander-Arnold’s assist as England beat Czech Republic

Anthony Gordon praised Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Real Madrid defender set up his opening goal in England’s 2-0 Nations League victory over Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Gordon, the Barcelona winger, headed in Alexander-Arnold’s delivery to give England the lead before the Three Lions added a second goal and secured victory in the second round of the competition.

“I thought the game was good and we controlled it clearly,” Gordon told ITV after the match. “We could have scored more towards the end and perhaps had enough quality in the final third.

“There are some things we need to work on. We need to control the game, press strongly and finish matches off properly.”

Gordon said Alexander-Arnold’s technique and bravery made the assist possible.

“I make that run time and time again, and there are not many players who have the ability, technique and courage to make that pass, even with the risk of getting it wrong,” he said, according to the BBC.

“That is why he is an excellent player, and that is why I was excited to play with him.”

Gordon added: “He has had his own journey with England. He would have liked to play more than he has, but he has been a great character during this camp and I have really enjoyed being around him.”

Alexander-Arnold explained that he had discussed the move with Gordon during the interval.

“I spoke to Ant [Anthony Gordon] at half-time and told him that if I got into those areas, he should make sure he got to the far post,” he told the BBC.

“You do not expect the ball to arrive that quickly, but it did and it worked.”

The Real Madrid defender said playing alongside Gordon had been a privilege.

“It is a great honour and it is fantastic to play with him,” Alexander-Arnold told ITV. “I tried to get on the ball, find the best way to play, move forward and create opportunities. I managed to get the assist.”

Czech Republic’s defensive approach made England’s task more difficult, according to Alexander-Arnold, who said the visitors played with 10 men.

“I thought it was good,” he said. “They played with 10 players, which put more pressure on us to win the game, but in reality it made things more difficult because they became more compact and defensive.

“It is very difficult to break through that kind of defence, but we managed to do it early in the second half. That was what we needed.”

Alexander-Arnold also reflected on his return to the England squad.

“It is a great honour. Representing my country is a huge honour,” he said. “I have always wanted to play for England and that is what I believed in. It was about proving it at club level.

“The manager gave me an opportunity, and I hope he is pleased with my performance.”