Anthony Gordon Solidifies England Starting Role

Anthony Gordon is increasingly being regarded as one of England's guaranteed starters and reliable stars, a status he has earned through consistent performances since the World Cup knockout stages. Captain Harry Kane has identified the Barcelona winger as one of the Three Lions' "main men," highlighting his significant impact on the team.

Gordon's recent form includes scoring the opening goal in England's 2-0 victory against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, following a goal in the 3-2 defeat to world champions Spain. His run of averaging a goal contribution every 69 minutes began with assisting both of Kane's goals in a World Cup match against DR Congo. In his last six England appearances, Gordon has scored three goals and provided three assists, and he also won the penalty in a crucial victory over Mexico.

His form has translated to club level with Barcelona, where he has already registered five assists in La Liga. Manager Thomas Tuchel has praised Gordon's development, stating he is "defending his shirt" and becoming an "important player" for the team. "He was very decisive [against the Czech Republic] and had an excellent goal," Tuchel commented. "He scored against Spain so he has decisive actions and he's defending his shirt and his position. He does it on the highest level."

Gordon has demonstrated strong chemistry on the field, linking effectively with former Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall and combining with Trent Alexander-Arnold for England's opening goal against the Czech Republic. Alexander-Arnold acknowledged Gordon's talent, saying, "It's a great compliment and it's great to play with him."

While the left-wing position has historically been a point of contention for England, Gordon appears to have secured it. Kane noted that Gordon is "showing that he belongs at the highest level, for Barcelona and England." He added, "His performances in the last couple of games have been some of his best that he has played in an England shirt. I think he is just relishing putting the shirt on and being one of the main men in the team."

Gordon's journey to this prominent role was not always straightforward, with players like Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, and Noni Madueke also vying for a left-wing spot in recent years. Gordon himself admitted in October that he had only shown "50%" of his potential for England. However, his recent performances, including attempting more shots than any other England player against the Czech Republic, indicate a significant upturn. Since the World Cup knockout stage began, Gordon ranks highly among England players for expected assists, expected goals, passes into the box, touches in the opposition box, chances created, and shots on target. His six goal contributions since the DR Congo match match those of Jude Bellingham.

There has been discussion comparing Gordon's successful transfer to Barcelona with Marcus Rashford's return to Manchester United after a loan spell. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson noted Gordon's growing importance, stating, "He has become a key part of the England team." Robinson added, "Gordon [when he is] full of confidence running at pace like he does, he can go either way and he's causing full-backs all kind of problems."

Gordon believes his move to Spain has helped shift perceptions of his game. "I always felt in England, people respected me because I was fast and I pressed but they never actually respected the quality and IQ that I play with," Gordon said. "I think now I'm at Barcelona and I play a different style, those qualities are highlighted much more and people are actually starting to take notice that I'm not just quick."