England have no more excuses as knockout football awaits at Euro 2024, so says Anthony Gordon, who hopes to feature from the start against Slovakia on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate's side have failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations but still topped Group C on five points.
The Three Lions overcame Serbia 1-0 in their opener before disappointing draws followed with Denmark and Slovenia.
Those latter two performances have brought questions over England and Southgate's capabilities, and Gordon acknowledged his side must put in an improved showing in Gelsenkirchen.
"I think as a team we just have to come together, we have to perform when the pressure is high," the England youngster said at Friday's pre-match press conference.
"Now we're into the knockout stages, so there's no more next game, next team. Now we really have to step up and be the team we can be.
"That's on us, we're the ones on the pitch, we're the ones who can make an impact and change things. So I think that as players, you've just got to take responsibility and accountability.
"That's what football is about. That's why you want to be in these games, because the pressure is the highest.
"If you win these games, that's where that feeling is that we chase every day. So I think that's a positive."
Gordon has been limited to short cameos off the bench in England's first three group games, though caught the eyes of Manchester United great Wayne Rooney with his energy down the left flank.
Displacing Phil Foden on that left-hand side remains Gordon's priority, though the Newcastle United winger insists the side comes before self in tournament football among Southgate's squad.
"I think frustration is probably the wrong word," Gordon added when asked about the public outcry for him to feature. "It's more of a want to play and want to perform on a bigger stage.
"That just comes from my self-belief. I feel like I can impact any game in a positive way. A lot of people have used frustration the past week or so about my minutes, but I think that's the wrong word.
"I think six months ago, it would have been crazy because I think the opinion of me compared to now is very different, but I've worked hard to be in this position and that's what I want.
"I want people to be calling for me because, like I said before, that's what I'm doing in training. I'm giving my very best to cause headaches for selection. That's all I can do. The rest is out of my control."
Gordon hit the headlines after suffering a nasty blow to his chin when falling off a bike on England's downtime in Germany.
The 23-year-old, sporting a cut chin and bruised arms, hopes to make light of the situation should the opportunity arise against Slovakia.
"I'll put the stabilisers next to the pitch, maybe and you lot [the media] can take credit for the celebration," the forward joked. "I'll do it though, I will do it, definitely, you've got my word."
Chelsea complete swoop for teenage Barcelona striker Guiu
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of teenage striker Marc Guiu from Barcelona, having met his €6million (£5.1m) release clause.
Guiu had one year remaining on his contract with the Blaugrana but opted to reject the offer of an extension after breaking into their senior squad last season.
The 18-year-old appeared three times in LaLiga last term, netting on his senior debut against Athletic Bilbao at the age of 17 years and 291 days last October.
Guiu, who has been capped by Spain at under-17 and under-19 level, is expected to fight for a place in Chelsea's first team under new boss Enzo Maresca.
He has signed a five-year contract with an option for the club to extend his stay for a further 12 months.
"It's an immense joy to sign for Chelsea and I struggled to sleep ahead of the journey here because I was so excited," Guiu said. "Ever since I was small, it was my dream to play in the Premier League.
"Now I have the opportunity to come here to Chelsea and I will work my hardest to be successful for the club."
Euro 2024 social round-up: Belgium fans get up for France clash as Bellingham rubbishes celebration speculation
England progressed to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals by completing a late comeback against Slovakia on Sunday.
Jude Bellingham scored the Three Lions' equaliser in a 2-1 extra-time victory in Gelsenkirchen, dispatching a stunning overhead kick deep into stoppage time.
There was plenty of reaction on social media that continued into Monday, while other teams looked forward to their last-16 ties.
Here, we round up the best posts from around the tournament.
Bellingham rubbishes celebration speculation
UEFA has confirmed it will investigate Bellingham's celebration, in which he appeared to make a rude gesture in the direction of the Slovakia fans.
Bellingham, however, insists it was an "inside joke".
He also apologised for any offence caused.
"An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight," he wrote on X.
Copycats?
They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and perhaps that is how the Dutch fans will look at their lowlands neighbours, the Belgians.
Ahead of Belgium's clash with France, the Red Devils' X account shared a video of a fanpark, where their supporters were enjoying a brilliant warm-up.
It looked like everyone was having plenty of fun, and perhaps they'll be giving the Netherlands' fans - who have been the stars of the show in Germany so far - a run for their money.
Pogback
Paul Pogba is absent from Euro 2024, due to the ban he received for alleged doping.
While Pogba fights that charge, he is of course not able to be involved.
However, the 2018 World Cup winner was on hand in Dusseldorf to gee up France's supporters ahead of the clash with Belgium.
Bellingham's brilliance
While there was some controversy over his celebration, Bellingham's last-gasp equaliser for England really is worth re-living over and over again.
And that's what the official UEFA Euro 2024 X account did, sharing a slow-motion clip of that exquisite overhead kick.
Anyone know the score?
Just before Bellingham's moment of genius, Kylian Mbappe was wrapping up his pre-match press conference.
And the France star could not help but ask what the score was in the England match.
Much to his surprise, he was informed Slovakia were winning. Of course, that did not last.
Lineker defends Jude
Gary Lineker has seemingly not been the most popular figure in the England camp following his critical comments so far this tournament.
But the BBC Sport pundit was delighted that Bellingham got Gareth Southgate's team out of trouble.
He was less pleased, though, to hear UEFA were investigating his post-match celebration.
The Oranje arrive
The Netherlands take on Romania on Tuesday, and Ronald Koeman's team arrived in Munich on Monday.
Virgil van Dijk took the Oranje out for a warm-up. Will the Dutch get over the line and tee up a meeting with either Austria or Turkiye?
Villa complete double signing of Iling-Junior and Barrenechea from Juventus
Aston Villa have completed the double signing of Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus.
The duo were signed for a combined £18.6million (€22m) just one day on from Douglas Luiz's €50million move to the Italian club in a separate deal.
Iling-Junior, a product of Chelsea's academy, joined Juventus in 2020 before making his senior debut in 2022.
The 20-year-old made 27 appearances in all competitions for Juve last season, scoring once and assisting two goals and won the Coppa Italia in May.
Barrenechea was with Juventus for two years, but spent last season on loan at Frosinone, becoming a first-team regular, but could not help the side avoid relegation back to Serie B.
Villa have already had a busy transfer window, with already brought in Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and Lewis Dobbin from Everton.
Meanwhile, along with Luiz, youngsters Tim Ireogbunam and Omari Kellyman have been sold to the Toffees and the Blues respectively.
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