Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon started and scored for England as they sealed qualification for the 2026 World Cup by beating Latvia in Riga.
Gordon bagged the opener in the Latvian capital as England ran out 5-0 winners.
The 24-year-old now needs a big season for Newcastle United. He’s impressed in flashes and will hope to continue that form in order to seal a place in Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The forward has strong competition from the likes of Marcus Rashford but has been a fixture in Tuchel’s set-up thus far.
Here’s how the national media reacted to his performance.
National media hail Anthony Gordon’s performance for England vs Latvia
Gordon opened the scoring for the Three Lions by latching onto a fine lofted pass from John Stones.
The Newcastle star cut inside before finishing well, giving Tuchel’s side a platform from which to build.
The Independent handed Gordon an 8/10 rating and said: “Started on the front foot down the left, proving trouble for the Latvia defence as he peppered their box with crosses.
“Often the man in white providing the attacking impetus and flair, there was no surprise that he was the one to break the deadlock for England, cutting inside and curling into the far corner exquisitely. Kept up the intensity until his number went up. Subbed.”
The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, awarded him an 8/10 and described his performance as: “Was England’s most incisive player in the first half, providing an excellent cross for Kane that the captain failed to convert before cutting in himself to score England’s first goal. Also interchanged effectively down the left with Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“World Cup starter chances: A competitive area of the pitch, particularly with Marcus Rashford’s resurgence, but is staking a serious claim.”
Goal – who rated Gordon as an 8/10 – added: “Showed why Tuchel didn’t need to call up [Jack] Grealish. Terrorised Latvia with his turn of pace and trickery, scoring an excellent goal and making England look dangerous every time they came forward.”
The Daily Mirror said in their 7/10 rating: “Scored a lovely opener and has done himself a power of good in this camp.”
Anthony Gordon stats for England vs Latvia
Gordon enjoyed a positive night for the Three Lions.
According to FotMob data, he created two chances alongside his goal and had 55 touches – 11 of which came in Latvia’s box.
| Latvia vs England statistics | Anthony Gordon |
| Minutes played | 71 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Touches | 55 |
| Touches in opposition box | 11 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Shots | 4 |
| Dribbles | 1 |
The Newcastle star won two of his five ground duels and completed his only attempted dribble.
Clearly, tougher tests will come on the international stage. Still, you can only beat what’s in front of you and Gordon certainly helped England get the job done.
In decent form at club level, it’s good to see him replicate that on the international stage. Another strong performance will be needed for Newcastle against Brighton on Saturday as the Premier League returns.
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