Anthony Gordon emerging as one of England’s key men
October 2, 2026 16:00
Anthony Gordon has pushed into England’s core group of players after a hot run of form that continued in the Nations League. The 25-year-old, who moved to Barcelona in the summer, scored the opening goal in England’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and also netted in the 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley.
KEY CONTEXT
Gordon was one of England’s standouts at the World Cup and has carried that momentum into his national-team appearances. Since the knockout stage of the World Cup began he has averaged a goal contribution every 69 minutes, a run that began when he assisted both of Harry Kane’s goals in the 2-1 last-32 win over DR Congo. In his last six England matches he has three goals and three assists, and he also won the penalty in the last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca.
At club level, Gordon has started positively in Spain, collecting five assists in La Liga early in the season. He linked well on England’s left with Lewis Hall and combined with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the opening goal against the Czech Republic; Alexander-Arnold said of Gordon: "It's a great compliment and it's great to play with him."
PRAISE FROM TEAM-MATES AND COACH
Captain Harry Kane said Gordon is "showing that he belongs at the highest level, for Barcelona and England" and that he is "one of the main men in the team." Barcelona boss Thomas Tuchel praised his recent performances, saying: "He's getting there. He's defending his shirt, he's defending his position - an excellent performance again... He was very decisive [against the Czech Republic] and had an excellent goal."
WHY IT MATTERS
England have experimented on the left of Kane for some time. Source reporting indicates Gordon looks to have secured that role with consistent decisive actions for club and country, increasing his standing in the squad.
KEY FACTS
- England appearances and goals: 27 appearances, six goals (image caption detail).
- Recent England form: three goals and three assists in his past six matches.
- World Cup contributions: assisted both Kane goals vs DR Congo; won the Mexico penalty in the last-16.
- Club form: five La Liga assists at the start of the season.
- Statistical rankings since World Cup knockout stage: ranked at least top four among England players 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).