Anthony Gordon has rapidly established himself as one of the most important figures in Thomas Tuchel's England setup, continuing a remarkable run of form that has stretched from the World Cup into the ongoing Nations League campaign.
The Barcelona winger scored the opener in England's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic on Tuesday, just days after netting in a 3-2 defeat to world champions Spain at Wembley. Those strikes extend a productive streak that began during the knockout stages of the World Cup, where Gordon first caught the eye with a pair of assists for captain Harry Kane in a 2-1 last-32 win over DR Congo.
Since that match against DR Congo, the 25-year-old has racked up three goals and three assists in his last six England appearances, while also winning a crucial penalty in the dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico. His goal contribution rate of once every 69 minutes places him among the most productive players in the squad, level with Jude Bellingham on six combined goals and assists since the DR Congo game.
Gordon's rise has coincided with a big-money summer move to Barcelona, where he has already racked up five assists in La Liga. Tuchel suggested the winger is edging closer to being undroppable, praising his recent displays. "He's getting there. He's defending his shirt, he's defending his position - an excellent performance again after his performance against Spain," Tuchel said. "He was very decisive [against the Czech Republic] and had an excellent goal. It was very, very difficult but the technique and finishing was excellent. He scored against Spain so he has decisive actions and he's defending his shirt and his position. He does it on the highest level and he's a very important player."
Against the Czech Republic, Gordon combined effectively with former Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall and linked up with Trent Alexander-Arnold, who made his first England start in almost two years, to set up the opening goal. Gordon admitted he had been eager to play alongside the Real Madrid defender, a domestic rival at club level. Alexander-Arnold reflected on the partnership, saying: "It's a great compliment and it's great to play with him. I tried to get the ball, and try and see what the best play is and try and play forward and create something. And I was able to get the pass."
Kane, who has long occupied a guaranteed starting spot for England, believes Gordon has now cemented the problematic left-sided role that has seen various players - including Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden and Noni Madueke - rotate in recent years. "His performances in the last couple of games have been some of his best that he has played in an England shirt," Kane said. "I think he is just relishing putting the shirt on and being one of the main men in the team. He is an important player for us and he showed that during the World Cup."
Statistically, Gordon ranks among England's top performers since the World Cup knockout stage began, leading or placing highly in expected goals, expected assists, touches in the opposition box, chances created and shots on target.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson highlighted the contrast between Gordon's trajectory and that of Rashford, who returned to Manchester United after Barcelona chose not to make his loan permanent, opting instead to sign Gordon for £69m. "He has become a key part of the England team," Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live, adding that Gordon's directness and pace continue to cause problems for opposing full-backs.
Gordon himself feels his move to Spain has helped reshape perceptions of his game. "I always felt in England, people respected me because I was fast and I pressed but they never actually respected the quality and IQ that I play with," he told ITV. "In Spain, they really appreciate my IQ and quality because at Barca, if you're not technical, if you're not smart, you're going to stand out like a sore thumb."
With Tuchel eyeing both Nations League success and long-term development toward Euro 2028, Gordon appears poised to play a central role in that project moving forward.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.