Harry Kane hails Barcelona’s Anthony Gordon as England’s new main man

Anthony Gordon’s decisive strike in the 37th minute gave England the lead at the UEFA Nations League group match in CZECH capital Prague on SEPTEMBER 29, 2026. The game unfolded at the Fortuna Arena and ended in a 2‑0 victory for England.

Harry Kane doubled the advantage ten minutes later, slotting home the second goal. Kane celebrated the strike by embracing his teammate Gordon, a moment captured by UEFA via Getty Images. The win restored England’s momentum after a 3‑2 defeat to Spain earlier in the campaign. The match, played in September, formed part of the group phase.

Gordon’s rise at Barcelona

Anthony Gordon arrived at FC Barcelona from Newcastle United in the most recent transfer window and has enjoyed a strong start, featuring regularly in the side’s attacking line‑up. His club form has coincided with his growing influence in the England squad.

Harry Kane praised Gordon, saying, “His performances in the last couple of games have been some of his best that he has played in an England shirt.” Kane added that Gordon “is just relishing putting the shirt on and being one of the main men in the team.”

Thomas Tuchel praises Bayern striker Harry Kane for extraordinary hunger

England manager Thomas Tuchel listed Gordon among his “untouchables” alongside Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford. When asked if Gordon was a first‑choice starter, Tuchel replied, “He’s getting there.” He later praised Gordon’s technique, noting his decisive goal against the Czech Republic and his excellent finishing.

World Cup performances cement his place

At the start of the FIFA World Cup Gordon was not a guaranteed starter, competing with Marcus Rashford, who had left Barcelona and was effectively replaced by Gordon. By the tournament’s end Gordon had become the preferred option, assisting Jude Bellingham’s controversial equaliser against Norway and scoring the opening goal in the semi‑final versus Argentina.

Gordon was substituted in the 72nd minute for defender Ezri Konsa as Tuchel sought to protect the lead. The tactic backfired; Argentina turned the game around with late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, both set up by Lionel Messi, to win 2‑1.

Kane leads England to victory in the Nations League

The 2‑0 win over Czechia lifts England back into contention for the UEFA Nations League group top spot, erasing the sting of the earlier 3‑2 loss to Spain and reinforcing Gordon’s emerging status as a key figure in Harry Kane’s England side.