Anthony Gordon

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Anthony Gordon's prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup appear strong, with England already qualified and the Newcastle United winger establishing himself as a key player under current England head coach Thomas Tuchel.

World Cup Prospects and Analysis:

England has secured its place in the 2026 World Cup, and Gordon is considered a significant contender for a squad spot, potentially even a starting role on the left wing. He has openly expressed his determination to secure his place, admitting to playing with a "sense of paranoia" to push himself further.

Under Thomas Tuchel, who took over as England's head coach in 2025, Gordon has seen his international career flourish. He has started in England's last three matches, which he considers his best performances for the national team, and scored his first goal under Tuchel in the 5-0 victory over Latvia, a match that confirmed England's World Cup qualification. This goal was his second in 16 appearances for England.

However, Gordon's relationship with former England manager Gareth Southgate reportedly had its challenges. Southgate considered Gordon "very close" to a call-up in November 2023. Yet, during Euro 2024, Southgate was reportedly displeased by two incidents involving Gordon: a bike accident where Gordon was using his mobile phone, and comments from Gordon that hinted at England's playing style being too "predictable." These events are believed to have contributed to his limited playing time at that tournament.

Current Form and Latest News:

As of October 2025, Anthony Gordon has scored three goals in seven appearances for Newcastle in the current season. He also played a crucial role in England's 5-0 win over Serbia, demonstrating his attacking prowess by registering more shots on target than any other player. Gordon acknowledges the need for consistent strong performances at the club level to cement his place in the national squad.

Injury Update:

Gordon has faced some injury concerns in the past year. In March 2025, he sustained a hip injury during a World Cup qualifier against Albania, which led to his withdrawal from the subsequent match against Latvia. While Thomas Tuchel initially expressed worry about the injury, later reports indicated it was not as severe as first feared. He also dealt with a groin issue in late 2024 and an ankle problem in August 2025. By April 2025, he was still recovering from a bruised thigh sustained while on international duty. However, recent performances and his continued involvement in the England squad suggest these issues have not significantly hampered his long-term prospects.