Anthony Gordon played a pivotal role as England secured a 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16 at the Azteca Stadium on July 9, 2026, advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face Norway in Miami. Despite a slow start to the tournament, Gordon’s performance in Mexico City marked a significant turning point both for him personally and for the England squad.
The 25-year-old winger’s display was notable for its intensity and effectiveness on both sides of the ball. He won a crucial penalty by drawing a foul from Mexico’s goalkeeper Raul Rangel, which Harry Kane converted to give England a 3-1 lead. Gordon also contributed through his pressing, ball progression, and defensive work, registering the fastest speed of any England player in the tournament at 35.8 km/h. His ability to excel in the challenging conditions of altitude in Mexico City was also highlighted, with Gordon emphasizing that mental resilience rather than physical limitation was key to overcoming the environment.
Gordon’s journey in the tournament reflects a pattern of resilience. After a largely subdued start—where he was almost invisible against Croatia and underwhelming versus Ghana—he was dropped for the final group game. He came off the bench against DR Congo to provide two assists for Kane’s goals in a comeback win, which he cited as a personal motivation boost. He has openly discussed how early setbacks fuel his drive, noting that he often needs adversity to bring out his best performances. This mentality is rooted in his upbringing in economically deprived areas of Liverpool, which he credits with forging a strong character.
The winger also addressed his relationship with Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre, who was caught on camera swearing at him during the match. Gordon took the incident in good spirits, describing Aguirre as a character who uses such remarks as backhanded compliments rather than outright hostility.
England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel, has been praised by Gordon for his motivational approach and communication style. Tuchel’s leadership emphasizes team unity and selflessness over individual ego, which Gordon identified as a critical factor in England’s progress. Following the Mexico win, the squad was given a brief rest to reset mentally ahead of their next challenge against a Norway side that recently upset Brazil.
Gordon’s recent transfer to Barcelona has also drawn attention, though he downplays any ego boost from the move, focusing instead on continuing to develop and perform. He acknowledges a competitive but positive relationship with teammate Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona and may compete with him for a starting position should Rashford’s stay be extended.
With the quarter-final looming, Gordon has voiced a desire to move past the Mexico triumph and maintain focus on the bigger prize of World Cup glory. He warns that while praise and criticism can both be draining, the team must channel their energy into the next stage of the tournament.