Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon is pushing to start for England at the 2026 World Cup.
After a disastrous Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate, the 24-year-old has become a key player under his full-time replacement Thomas Tuchel.
The England manager spoke glowingly about Anthony Gordon on Friday, with the Newcastle United star making that left wing position his own thanks to his recent Three Lions performances.
While Gordon has been inconsistent for Newcastle, he has been excellent for England. His direct running is a real asset, and it is a key reason why Wayne Rooney believes he should be starting for his country at the World Cup next summer.
Anthony Gordon playing for Newcastle United in the Champions League.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Wayne Rooney backs Anthony Gordon to start for England
Speaking on the latest episode of the Overlap Fan Debate, the former England captain has been asked by Jamie Carragher to name the team that he thinks gives them the best chance of winning the 2026 World Cup.
When it came to the attack, Rooney was under no illusions that Gordon and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka should be providing the width.
“I think Saka and Anthony Gordon have to play out wide if fit,” he said.
Rooney was then asked about Marcus Rashford playing.
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“Saka has been brilliant for England,” he responded.
“Gordon works back but he also has pace running in behind. Rashford more takes the ball to feet. I would have Marcus coming off the bench for Harry Kane late in games.”
Gordon’s inclusion over Rashford is a real show of faith, especially given the latter’s renaissance at Barcelona. It is something Newcastle United have experienced first-hand, with Rashford scoring twice in Barcelona’s Champions League win over the Magpies.
Hip injury forces Anthony Gordon to withdraw from England squad
Worryingly for Gordon, he will not get the chance to back up Rooney’s argument during the current international break.
The Scouser had been named in the England squad for World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. However, a hip injury has forced him to withdraw.
That is a blow for Gordon, who thrives off the rhythm of consistently playing.
He is not the only Newcastle United player who has had to pull out, with Nick Pope’s concussion ruling him out. It is bitterly disappointing for the 33-year-old, whose last international appearance came in September 2022.
That leaves Dan Burn as the only Toon player in Thomas Tuchel’s current England squad.