Anthony Gordon started in attack as England beat Wales in friendly action on Thursday night.
The Newcastle United star was named in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI, deployed on the left wing as England won 3-0 against Wales.
However, Anthony Gordon did not spend the full night on the left wing. He was moved to striker in the second half, making room for Marcus Rashford to play on the left after he replaced Ollie Watkins at half-time. Gordon sees himself as a striker in the future, so the change will not have bothered him.
The 24-year-old won his 15th cap for England, playing the full 90 minutes.
Gordon was his usual lively self, but was unable to score or provide an assist during England’s win over Wales. He did have plenty of openings, with his first half shot saved by former Toon goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Despite failing to provide a goal contribution, the national media were impressed with what they saw from Gordon on Thursday night.
Newcastle’s number 10 was a real threat all night, and received an 8/10 from the Daily Express.
They wrote: “Forced a very early save to win the corner that led to the opener. Relentlessly direct throughout and good combination play with Djed Spence. Started the move leading to Saka’s goal, drawing defenders over to him. Was a threat in the second half too and almost scored himself late on when curling just wide.”
The Mirror gave Gordon a score of 7/10, writing: “Lively from the left and was dangerous through the middle after Watkins went off.”
Gordon’s switch from winger to striker impressed the Telegraph, who also gave him 7/10.
They wrote: “Had a chance in the second minute saved, then caused his full-back problems with runs behind. In the second half, he showed he can play in the false-nine position when Watkins went off.”
The Metro noted that Gordon gave Neco Williams a torrid time, giving him an 8/10 and writing: “Had the first significant chance of the game, but Darlow got down well to deny his instinctive effort. The Newcastle winger provided a constant threat down the left flank throughout and there was a swagger in his play as the contest wore on. Neco Williams will be glad to see the back of him.”
Finally, the Evening Standard gave him a rating of 7/10, writing: “Plenty of running and had a few blocked shots. A couple nice turns and cute pieces of skill showed the reasons why he is a real option on the left.”
How many goals has Anthony Gordon scored for England?
Another England game has passed with Gordon failing to find the net.
The Scouser has now played 15 times for his country, but has only scored one goal. That came in November 2024 during a Nations League victory over Republic of Ireland.
Gordon can be very happy with his performance against Wales on Thursday night, but will be aware that he needs to get more goal contributions for his country ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He will have ambitions of going to the tournament, having barely featured at Euro 2024 after being included in the squad.
His only goals this season have come in the Champions League, with Gordon scoring a brace during Newcastle’s win over USG. The attacker also scored in the 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, but is yet to find the net in the Premier League.
Next up for Gordon and England is a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, with Thomas Tuchel’s side travelling to Riga to face Latvia.