Spanish press hail Anthony Gordon as England's breakthrough star

Comments Sport Mark Whiley, Sports Writer, recorded at 09:43 on 04 Oct 2026 that Anthony Gordon’s exquisite control and left‑footed pass set up Jude Bellingham’s second England goal, prompting Spanish media to crown the Newcastle‑born Barcelona winger as the standout of the Nations League rout.

England’s dominant display in Rijeka

The Three Lions delivered one of their most commanding displays in recent memory, tearing apart Slavan Bilic’s side in a 7‑0 Nations League triumph in Rijeka. Bilic’s Croatia were left shell‑shocked as England’s attack ran riot.

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each netted twice and added an assist, while Jude Bellingham scored once and created three more chances. Anthony Gordon contributed a goal and a spectacular assist, and Morgan Rogers, off the bench, capped the scoring.

Spanish press dissect Gordon’s brilliance

Spanish publications gravitated towards Gordon, the former Newcastle man now at Barcelona, and Real Madrid star Bellingham, lauding their partnership in the second goal. Their link‑up saw Gordon control the ball, turn and feed Saka’s cross to Bellingham, who finished at the far post.

SPORT wrote: “Gordon, nicknamed ‘Antoni Gros’ in Barcelona, pulled off a moment of magic. With a turn he positioned himself and delivered a precise left‑footed ball to Bellingham.”

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added that Gordon’s control “seemed impossible, turned around and laid it back to Bellingham, who only had to push it into an almost empty net.” AS described him as one of the standout players alongside Bellingham.

SPORT also praised Gordon’s pace, noting he “tirelessly patrolled the left flank, leaving everyone in his wake.” After missing a one‑on‑one chance, he restored England’s lead with a diving header to make it 3‑0.

Gordon has been involved in eight goals in his previous seven England appearances, and SPORT suggested he return to Barcelona in excellent shape, still searching for his first Barca goal. The outlet urged the long break to sharpen his nose for goal, noting he has scored in his last three games and assisted Bellingham’s second.

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Since England’s World Cup clash with Croatia, Gordon has shed doubts that he or Marcus Rashford should occupy the left wing, despite earlier Spanish press claims Barcelona had recruited the wrong Englishman. Following England’s home win over Czechia on Tuesday, he will head back to Barcelona full of confidence. View 3 Images captured Gordon celebrating his third England goal.