How Gordon’s surge secures him as England’s next main man
In the coastal city of Rijeka, England’s reporter watches Anthony Gordon weave past defenders, recalling the winger’s 27 caps and six goals for the Three Lions – a tally that has cemented his place alongside Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Jordan Pickford.
World Cup breakthrough
Gordon shone at the World Cup, scoring and assisting as England progressed through the knockout stage. He assisted both of Harry Kane’s goals in a 2‑1 last‑32 win over DR Congo, with Declan Rice controlling the midfield. His performances earned a big‑money transfer to European giants Barca in the summer.
Barca move fuels Nations League form
In the Nations League, Gordon opened a 2‑0 victory over the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, netting the first goal. He had also scored in a 3‑2 defeat by world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Since the World Cup knockout stage he has averaged a goal contribution every 69 minutes.
The 25‑year‑old has added three goals and three assists in his last six England matches, and won the penalty that led to the dramatic last‑16 win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. He ranks in the top four for expected assists (0.9), expected goals (0.9), passes into the box (14), touches in the opposition box (29), chances created (eight) and shots on target (five) since the knockout stage began. His combined six goals and six assists match Jude Bellingham’s output since England faced DR Congo.
Kane and Tuchel endorse Gordon
Captain Harry Kane says Gordon is “showing that he belongs at the highest level, for Barcelona and England” and calls him one of the Three Lions’ main men. Thomas Tuchel added that Gordon is “defending his shirt, defending his position” and is becoming “undroppable” in his squad. Both praised his decisive actions against Spain and the Czech Republic.
Gordon linked up with former Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall on the left and combined with right‑back Trent Alexander‑Arnold for the opening goal against the Czech Republic. Gordon admitted he was “dying” to play with Alexander‑Arnold, who also features in Spain for Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid. Alexander‑Arnold described the partnership as “a great compliment” and praised Gordon’s forward play.
The left‑wing spot has long been contested; Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden and Noni Madueke have all featured there in recent years. Rashford spent a loan spell at Barcelona last season, but the club spent £69 million to sign Gordon permanently from Newcastle after opting not to keep Rashford. Gordon’s emergence during Lee Carsley’s interim tenure has turned the position into his own.
Against the Czech Republic he attempted four shots, more than any England player in that match and more than his teammates managed against Spain. Since the World Cup knockout stage he is among the top four England players for key attacking metrics, underscoring his rapid rise. His performances have convinced the coaching staff that he is now a guaranteed starter.