Anthony Gordon has turned from a debated England selection into one of Thomas Tuchel’s most trusted attacking players, following a four-game international scoring run and a strong start to life at Barcelona.
His place in England’s side was still uncertain before the World Cup. Gordon’s decisive audition came in the final warm-up against Costa Rica, when he scored once and created another, although several Sky Sports writers remained unconvinced before the opening game against Croatia.
He failed to score in England’s first two matches, against Croatia and Ghana, and was left out for the must-win final group fixture with Panama. On his return, however, he created both of Harry Kane’s goals in the comeback victory over DR Congo and has not looked back.
Gordon assisted again against Norway before scoring in the semi-final against Argentina, England’s biggest match of the tournament. He is now on a four-match international scoring streak, the longest in the current England squad and the best by anyone other than Harry Kane for almost six years.
Before the Costa Rica game, Gordon had managed only two goals and one assist in his first 18 England appearances. He now has 10 goal involvements in his past 10 matches for his country and is part of a front four that could be the most in-form in international football.
The 25-year-old’s reputation had been affected by a difficult final season at Newcastle, where he recorded five non-penalty goal involvements in the Premier League. Yet his first campaign at the club had brought four times that total, highlighting how much recent form had influenced perceptions of his ability.
Gordon told ITV before the latest international camp that his “quality and football IQ” had not been properly appreciated by England supporters before his move to Barcelona. His coaches had generally questioned his consistency rather than his talent.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick looked beyond his Premier League struggles and chose Gordon ahead of Marcus Rashford, paying more than twice what his England team-mate would have cost. Gordon had scored 10 goals in 12 Champions League matches last season, a total bettered only by Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, including a goal against Barcelona in the League Phase.
Gordon also said he had previously been valued mainly for his work-rate and pace, while Deco told RAC1 that his “intensity” was a key reason for signing him.
He has since taken another step forward domestically and internationally. His goals in the Nations League against Spain and the Czech Republic were match-changing moments, proving he can influence England’s biggest fixtures.
Gordon’s confidence was evident at his Barcelona unveiling, where he said he had felt he would play for the club since he was three and delivered his speech in assured Spanish. He also became the first Englishman signed permanently by Barcelona since Gary Lineker 40 years ago.
At the Nou Camp, he has made four assists in his first six LaLiga appearancestwice as many as in his final Premier League season and joint-most in the division this season. Deco has urged him to improve his finishing, but his England scoring form suggests goals may follow.
Whether Gordon can sustain that level for club and country, or whether consistency remains his biggest challenge, will emerge with time. Both teams, however, now have a player capable of deciding major matches.
