From Anthony Gordon’s perspective, little has changed about who he is. He remains an ambitious and thoughtful player, constantly searching for ways to improve. Public opinion of him, particularly in the UK, is evolving, however, and his move to Barcelona has played a major part in that shift.
The winger enjoyed an encouraging World Cup with England after a difficult beginning. His campaign peaked when he scored to put his country 1-0 ahead against Argentina in the semi-final. The joy did not last, as he was later substituted when Thomas Tuchel changed to a five-man defence. Argentina recovered to win 2-1, leaving England to reflect on a painful missed opportunity.
Looking back on the tournament, the 25-year-old calls it the finest experience of his life. In the last 32 against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he entered with England trailing 1-0 and created both of Harry Kane’s goals in a 2-1 comeback victory. He then delivered another outstanding display against Mexico in a dramatic last-16 encounter at the Azteca.
England supporters last saw Gordon at the World Cup when he left the field against Argentina. His return for the start of the Nations League has revealed a player operating at a higher standard. Having joined Barcelona from Newcastle for £69.3m at the end of May, he was England’s standout performer in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague and also impressed during Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Spain at Wembley.
Gordon has long been recognised for his speed, tireless running and aggressive pressing. Yet a conversation with reporters at St George’s Park last Wednesday highlighted how strongly his reputation had become tied to Eddie Howe’s intense, end-to-end approach at Newcastle.
His argument was that observers often focused only on those qualities. At Barcelona, where possession and control are given greater importance, he has needed to demonstrate sharper awareness, greater refinement and more patience. Learning where to find space and developing combinations with teammates have become essential. Those abilities were already part of his game, but they are now easier to appreciate.
“I have always valued my understanding of football and my ability to choose the right option,” he said. “Joining a side such as Barcelona has been a natural fit and has brought attention to qualities that some people may not have noticed before. Because I am quick and work hard without the ball, those are usually the attributes people discuss. There is much more that I can offer.”
Another development has also been noticeable. During the games against Spain and Czechia, Gordon took responsibility while England were struggling—through the opening 35 minutes of the first match and for most of the first half of the second. His authority and determination to lead reflected the confidence gained from a strong beginning at Barcelona, where he has recorded five assists in seven appearances despite not yet scoring. His new standing may also help, given that he now plays in an attacking unit alongside Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.
Gordon and Jude Bellingham provided England’s main response during the difficult opening against Spain, with Gordon scoring the equaliser from Bellingham’s pass. Against Czechia, Gordon repeatedly searched for openings, created opportunities and attempted shots before heading England in front early in the second half. He ended the match with four chances created, the highest total of any player, and registered more touches in the opposing penalty area than anyone else.
Perhaps it is significant that England’s three leading performers currently play beyond the Premier League: Kane with Bayern Munich, Bellingham at Real Madrid and Gordon at Barcelona. Moving abroad, particularly to one of Europe’s biggest clubs, forces an English player beyond familiar surroundings. A different language, culture, tactical environment and level of expectation can be overwhelming. It can also inspire considerable growth, as Kane and Bellingham have demonstrated. Gordon’s early progress suggests he may be following the same path.
“Anthony still had room to offer more at the World Cup,” Tuchel said. “I am not entirely convinced by his performance against Norway in the quarter-final, although every game presented difficulties. He has returned with great confidence and is determined to show that the position on the left belongs to him. That is exactly the attitude we expect, and he deserves recognition for it. Naturally, though, the level of expectation will continue to increase.”
Gordon’s introduction against the Democratic Republic of the Congo proved to be a decisive moment in his World Cup. He received very little possession in England’s opening group match against Croatia, struggled in the following game against Ghana and then lost his place against Panama. When his opportunity arrived against the DRC, he chose to play freely rather than cautiously. “I told myself I would not take the safe option,” he said. “I wanted to return to doing the things that had earned me the opportunity to be there.”
It is a valuable principle, although putting it into practice is not always straightforward. Gordon appears to be succeeding. “I believe he has improved since the World Cup,” Kane said. “His transfer to Barcelona has benefited him. Joining a club of that stature strengthens your confidence and makes you feel comfortable performing at the highest level. He has carried that belief into his displays for England. He was excellent against Spain and decisive against Czechia.”
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