Anthony Gordon: Rising Star of England’s Football Future

Anthony Gordon has made a significant mark with 27 caps for England, netting six goals along the way. From Jude Bellingham to Harry Kane, and now Anthony Gordon, the list of reliable stars for England continues to grow. The Barcelona winger has quickly become a crucial figure, with captain Kane singling him out as one of the Three Lions' standout players. Gordon shone brightly during the World Cup, which paved the way for his high-profile transfer to Barcelona. His impressive form has carried over into the Nations League, where he scored the opener in England's recent 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic, following his goal in a 3-2 loss to world champions Spain at Wembley. His performances have been building momentum since the knockout rounds of the World Cup, averaging a goal contribution every 69 minutes. This streak kicked off with two assists to Kane in a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the last-32. In his last six outings for England, the 25-year-old has three goals and three assists to his name, plus a penalty won during the thrilling last-16 match against Mexico at Azteca Stadium. After a solid start in La Liga, where he already has five assists, Gordon is becoming indispensable under coach Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel appreciates clarity in player roles, and when asked about Gordon's status, he noted, “He’s getting there. He’s defending his shirt and position, showing excellent form.” Against the Czech Republic, Gordon’s decisive play and outstanding goal highlighted his growing importance to the team. Tuchel expressed admiration for Gordon’s technical abilities and his knack for stepping up in crucial moments. Gordon has developed a strong connection with former Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall on the left flank and linked up well with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first England start in nearly two years. Gordon expressed excitement about teaming up with Alexander-Arnold, who is now at Barcelona’s rivals, Real Madrid. “It’s a great compliment to play alongside him,” Alexander-Arnold remarked. “I was eager to create something, and I’m glad I got the pass through.” While Harry Kane remains a fixture in England’s lineup, the left position next to him has been a puzzle for the team. Gordon appears to have claimed it, with Kane stating that he’s “showing he belongs at the highest level.” Kane also highlighted Gordon's recent performances as some of his best in an England shirt, noting, “He’s relishing the chance to wear the shirt and be one of the main guys. He proved that during the World Cup.” Gordon’s path to the starting XI hasn’t been without challenges. He faced competition from Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, and others for the left-wing role. While he began to catch the eye during Lee Carsley’s interim spell, Gordon himself admitted last October that he had only shown “50%” of his potential. Now, he’s clearly making strides. In the Czech Republic match alone, he registered four shots—more than any other player on the pitch. Since the World Cup knockout stage, he’s ranked among the top four for expected assists, expected goals, and shots on target. His contribution is on par with Bellingham, both tallying six goals or assists since facing DR Congo. An intriguing rivalry has developed between Gordon and Rashford for the left-wing spot, particularly since Rashford had a loan stint at Barcelona last season before returning to Manchester United, while Barcelona invested heavily to secure Gordon. Gordon’s versatility allows him to challenge defenders on both the inside and outside, proving a constant threat. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson remarked on his development, noting, “Gordon has become a vital part of the England setup. He has the potential to cause full-backs all sorts of headaches.” Gordon feels that since joining Barcelona, he’s changed perceptions about his abilities. “In England, people recognized my speed and pressing but not the quality of my play,” he shared. “Now at Barcelona, my style shines through, and people are starting to see I’m not just quick.” As he continues to grow and impress, Gordon is firmly cementing his status as a player to watch in both club and international football.