Anthony Gordon is firmly establishing himself in the England squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In one of the final warm-up matches against Costa Rica, which England won 3-0, the Barcelona new signing demonstrated excellent form by playing a pivotal role in attack.
Starting ahead of Marcus Rashford, Gordon made an immediate impact on the left flank. Within the first nine minutes, he assisted Declan Rice’s opening goal by delivering a precise cut-back. Although a penalty he won was later overturned by VAR, drawing frustration from coach Thomas Tuchel, Gordon stepped up to successfully convert a penalty in the second half, cementing his side’s advantage.
Beyond his goal and assist, Gordon impressed with his overall offensive threat. His pace, dribbling, and persistent pressure created difficulties for Costa Rica’s defense. British media outlets rated him as one of the best players on the pitch, awarding him a 9 out of 10.
After the match, Gordon expressed his enthusiasm for taking penalties under high pressure. “I was buzzing that Harry Kane wasn’t on the pitch. I looked around for him, and when I realized he’d been substituted, I wanted to take it. I love the pressure that comes with penalties,” he said. Over the 2025/26 season, Gordon has successfully converted all 10 penalties he has taken, highlighting his composure.
England coach Thomas Tuchel refrained from singling out individuals, emphasizing the collective team effort. He pointed out that both Gordon and Jude Bellingham contributed to a high-level team performance.
Gordon’s lack of game time in the latter part of the English Premier League season appears to have benefited his preparation for the World Cup, allowing him to arrive in top physical condition.
The competition for the left-wing position between Gordon and Rashford is adding an extra edge to both players’ performances. Gordon’s strong showing in recent matches has made a compelling case for him to secure a regular spot in the starting eleven. His confident start with the national team and sharp performances leading into the tournament inspire optimism for both fans and FC Barcelona’s management.
Looking ahead, Gordon is expected to carry this momentum into the club level in the upcoming season, integrating fully into the Blaugrana squad. His resilience and ability to handle pressure could be decisive factors in his continued growth as a top-level footballer.
