Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon was part of an England team that finally clicked into gear under Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions were ruthless in Belgrade, beating Serbia 5-0 to preserve their 100% record in World Cup qualifying. Tuchel’s side are top of the group, as they edge closer towards booking their place at next summer’s tournament.
Two Newcastle United players started for England on Tuesday night. Anthony Gordon was on the left wing, while he was backed up by Tino Livramento at left-back.
They both performed well, although the national media were split on Gordon’s display. He was arguably the least impressive of England’s attacking players, on a night when Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers excelled.
Anthony Gordon lines up ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Serbia.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Anthony Gordon told he was ‘outstanding’ for England
However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was keen for Gordon to receive his flowers as well, praising the 24-year-old for his performance against Serbia.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Robinson said: “That is the best I have seen an England team play in a long time. That’s the type of performance we should see against the lesser sides.
“England didn’t take their foot off the pedal tonight. Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon were outstanding in the wide areas.
“It was a really impressive all-round performance.”
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While a lot of England’s better moments came down the right, Gordon was lively on the left. He had three shots on target, one of which resulted in Ezri Konsa finding the net.
Gordon also picked up a booking on Tuesday night, with Tuchel opting to replace him with Marcus Rashford in the 69th minute.
Anthony Gordon under pressure to keep England place
Despite a positive display, Gordon is under pressure to retain his place in the England starting XI.
Tuchel has shown there is a way back for Rashford, and he scored off the bench against Serbia. While it was just a penalty, he took it very well.
Rashford was arguably even more of a threat than Gordon against Serbia, although you could argue he benefitted from playing against tired legs. There was also a red card to be taken into consideration, with Nikola Milenkovic sent off in the 72nd minute.
Another player who will hope to force his way back into the England side is Jack Grealish. Playing on the left, he has enjoyed an incredibly strong start to his Everton loan spell. Grealish has already provided four assists, and will have ambitions of going to the 2026 World Cup.
So will Gordon, so it is vital that he begins to shine in the black and white of Newcastle United.
Next up for the Magpies is Wolves at home on Saturday, but Gordon will be suspended for the game at St James’ Park.