‘I did similar’ - Newcastle star receives ‘ultimate praise’ from Manchester United and England legend

Wayne Rooney eulogised Anthony Gordon following England’s dismal 1-0 defeat to Iceland - and backed him to start the opener against Serbia.

A limp Three Lions outfit managed just one shot on target in their final warm-up game before Euro 2020 kicks off. Jude Bellingham aside, England were at full strength but failed to banish their Iceland woes.

The Nordic nation famously stunned England at Euro 2016 and earned their first-ever win at Wembley last night. Newcastle United star Gordon earned his third cap and was a bright spark for Gareth Southgate’s men on the left flank.

An impressive campaign on Tyneside - and his heroics at the under-21 Euros last summer - triggered his international inclusion in recent England squads. Fellow Scouser and Everton academy graduate Rooney has backed Gordon to start next Sunday’s opener.

“I think since his move from Everton to Newcastle, obviously, I did a similar thing in moving to Manchester United, he got a bit of stick from the Evertonians,” Rooney told Channel 4. “But he’s settled down really well at Newcastle.

“He’s brought great creativity, he’s fearless with the ball and works hard. He brings a great balance to the team so, for me, he’s the right person to start off that left.”

After the defeat, Rooney highlighted England’s inability to find Gordon, who had caused Iceland problems out wide. He added: “England didn't move the ball quickly enough from side to side to get players like Anthony Gordon one-v-one enough. 

“The result is not the most important thing tonight, it's about players getting experience. They have to learn from tonight's game.”