Anthony Gordon hailed as England's main man after Czech strike
Harry Kane says Anthony Gordon looks like one of England's "main men". On current form, it is hard to disagree.
Gordon scored the opener in England's 2-0 win against the Czech Republic. The move came from Trent Alexander-Arnold, on his first England start in nearly two years, and Gordon finished it with the confidence of a player in full stride, according to BBC Sport.
It was his latest decisive moment in an England shirt. Gordon attempted four shots against the Czechs, more than any other England player. He has three goals and three assists in his past six England matches. That is a goal contribution, a goal or an assist, every 69 minutes for England since the World Cup knockout stage began.
The run stretches back to the summer. Gordon was one of England's standout players at the World Cup. He set up both of Kane's goals in the 2-1 win over DR Congo in the last 32, the first knockout round. He then won the penalty in the last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. He also scored in the 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley after the tournament.
His club form has followed the same line. Gordon, 25, joined Barcelona in the summer from Newcastle after that World Cup. The former Newcastle winger, a wide attacker who plays high on the flank, has five assists in La Liga since the move. Barcelona confirmed the deal in May, signing him for the next five seasons as their first arrival for 2026-27, according to FC Barcelona.
England boss Thomas Tuchel is backing him to keep the shirt. He said Gordon is "defending his shirt" and called him "a very important player". Alexander-Arnold, now playing his club football in Spain for Real Madrid, looks a natural partner on that right-to-left link.
What makes this stand out is the timing. England do not always settle on a left-sided attacker. Gordon is giving them pace, direct running and end product in the same package. For fans, this means a new name to sing when the game needs stretching.
Kane has seen plenty of England attackers come and go. If he says Gordon looks like a main man, it is worth listening.
