England fans have been torn straight down the middle on Anthony Gordon’s display for England in their friendly victory over Wales on Thursday night.
With a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier to come on Tuesday, England took on Wales in a friendly at Wembley and smashed their rivals 3-0.
Thomas Tuchel’s side flew out of the traps, racing into a 3-0 lead inside 20 minutes with goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Saka.
Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon started and played the full 90 minutes of the match and impressed the media.
Gordon earned a high player rating from several high-profile outlets, with the Daily Express and The Metro giving him 8/10.
The latter said: “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.”
However, despite unanimous praise from the media, Gordon has come in for some criticism from England supporters on social media, with the Three Lions fanbase split on the forward.
England fans give verdict on Anthony Gordon display vs Wales
England fans are never shy about giving their opinion on players, and Gordon proved to be a divisive figure on social media after his display at Wembley.
A lot of fans were left impressed with his lightning pace, hard work and involvement in the Three Lions’ dynamic attacking play.
X, formerly Twitter, user @Tay170398 said: “Anthony Gordon by far man of the match for me,” accompanied by a clapping emoji.
@james19402899 was in complete agreement and said: “England v Wales my player of the match Anthony Gordon, what an engine that lad has.”
Meanwhile, user @Bychetic was stunned after seeing Gordon in the flesh at Wembley: “Seeing Anthony Gordon in person is crazy, he’s one of the sharpest footballers I’ve ever seen.”
“Have to say I really am a massive fan of Anthony Gordon he’s been an absolute nightmare for the Welsh backline,” user @astrobotfanboy posted.
However, just as many fans were less enthused by Gordon’s display, with points of contention being his lack of cutting edge in the final third, as he went another England game without a goal or assist.
@AndyBowers11 said: “Anthony Gordon goes another game without scoring. It’s incredible to think he’s always in the team both at Newcastle and England.”
“Unconvinced by Anthony Gordon for England,” @b_z_p1 revealed.
While @CarnorJax97 believes the left side spot is still up for grabs in Tuchel’s side: “Anthony Gordon is pretty wasteful in his #ENG games. That left-hand side position is still open IMO and it’s time Grealish got another chance.”
@WBATDM said: “I am not completely sold on Anthony Gordon, if I’m honest,” accompanied by a confused face emoji.
Finally, @1_hunz said: “I’ve clocked it … Anthony Gordon isn’t the truth! Guy is sooo wasteful.”
Will Anthony Gordon start for England at the World Cup?
Though England fans may not be convinced, Tuchel is clearly a fan of Gordon and has started the winger in three of his seven games in charge so far.
Tuchel’s team is beginning to take shape, with the best two performances of his reign coming in the last two outings against Wales and Serbia.
England scored eight goals and didn’t concede across the matches, and finally looked swift and dynamic in the attack. Gordon’s inclusion in both games, alongside Rogers and Eliott Anderson, is surely no coincidence.
There remains a whole lot of competition for the three attacking places at the World Cup, with Tuchel also a fan of Marcus Rashford and the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham not even in the squad this month.
But, if Gordon continues to impress and, more importantly, is a better fit for the football Tuchel wants to play, he could beat them all to a starting place in North America.
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