Trent Alexander-Arnold and Anthony Gordon proved they can work seamlessly on the pitch together following a pre-match tunnel chat during England’s win over the Republic of Ireland.
Footage that had been previously unseen of the Three Lions pair was released onto social media, showing how Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold and Newcastle star Gordon devised a cunning plan to unlock the Ireland defence.
In the video, the players can be seen walking out of the tunnel together. But before they emerge onto the pitch, Alexander-Arnold pulls Gordon aside with an idea of his own.
The 25-year-old puts his arm around his team-mate and began to map out his plan, which involved gesticulating to Gordon to curve his run inside from the left flank.
Gordon repeated the same gesture to confirm the run his colleague wanted him to make and Alexander-Arnold again pointed forward with his hand.
The creative right-back put the plan into action in the 26th minute – conjuring a fine 40-yard pass that swerved into Gordon’s path. The forward, 23, tried to sneak it past Caoimhin Kelleher, only for the Irish stopper to make a fine block when one-on-one.
From the following save, Gordon picked up the loose ball and cut it back for Jack Grealish to score England’s second of the evening, following Declan Rice’s opener.
But that moment gave an exciting glimpse into what could lie ahead for Liverpool fans, with Gordon heavily linked with a move to Anfield this summer. A £70million transfer bid including Joe Gomez as part-exchange was floated, but the Reds turned down the offer and Gordon stayed put at St James’ Park.
For now, it seems the pair will have to make do with partnering up on international duty, rather than being club team-mates too. But it bodes well for interim boss Lee Carsley that they appear to have a mutual understanding, even if it isn’t telepathic just yet.
After the game, Gordon expressed his disappointment that he failed to turn Alexander-Arnold’s incredible pass into a goal and vowed to finish with more composure next time.
Speaking to ITV Sport, he said: “I should have scored so I’ve still got a lot to work on. I owe Trent one for that pass… I’ll make up for that.”
Analysing his performance as a whole, Gordon showed confidence in his ability to wreak havoc for opposition defenders.
“I thought I played well, I showed my strengths and I thought I was dangerous. I know I can cause problems,” Gordon said. “I am still getting my fitness from the summer but I thought I did well. There is freedom. We tried to hold the width.”
