Anthony Gordon was again preferred to Marcus Rashford on the left wing for England's goalless draw with Ghana at the World Cup, but the Barcelona winger was branded "lackluster" and failed to make an impact
12:53, 24 Jun 2026Updated 12:53, 24 Jun 2026
Anthony Gordon struggled to make an impact against Ghana
Anthony Gordon struggled to make an impact against Ghana(Image: Getty Images)
Anthony Gordon found himself on the receiving end of criticism from Spanish media for the second match in a row following England's uninspiring stalemate with Ghana.
After the exhilarating 4-2 victory over Croatia, Thomas Tuchel's players faced a sobering reality check as they were held to a scoreless draw in Boston. Despite dominating possession, England struggled to break down a resolute Ghanaian defense, though qualification for the last 32 remains all but certain.
One of the tournament's more fascinating narratives has been the competition for the left-wing position between Gordon and Rashford. Gordon recently sealed a transfer to Barcelona from Newcastle — despite being linked with Liverpool in recent years — while Rashford has seen his aspirations of securing a permanent move to the Nou Camp dashed, leaving his future uncertain.
Despite a lackluster showing against Croatia, Tuchel once more opted for Gordon in the starting XI, with Rashford relegated to the substitutes' bench. After failing to make his mark, Gordon was withdrawn for Bukayo Saka on 65 minutes, while Rashford had to bide his time until the 83rd minute before replacing Noni Madueke.
The Spanish press was unsparing in its assessment of Gordon, with La Vanguardia branding his display "lackluster."
The Barcelona outlet noted: "As against Croatia, the winger failed to make a significant impact on the game. Although he was more involved in the play, he was imprecise in some of his dribbling, and his assists, while more purposeful, were wasted by his teammates."
Spanish media were again unimpressed with Gordon
Spanish media were again unimpressed with Gordon(Image: Getty Images)
AS offered a mixed verdict on Gordon, concluding he was "excellent defensively but lackluster in attack."
Madrid-based Las Razon highlighted how Ghana "shut down the flanks" with full-backs Marvin Senaya and Gideon Mensah "effectively marking Gordon and (Noni) Madueke."
ABC declared that Gordon "lacked the necessary finesse" to dismantle the Ghana defense, dismissing his second-half effort, which was comfortably saved, as "tame."
Given Gordon's muted contribution thus far, it would come as a considerable surprise were he to retain his starting berth for England's group decider against Panama on Saturday.
Victory for the Three Lions would, in all likelihood, secure top spot in Group L, potentially paving the way for a more favorable path through the knockout rounds.
Article continues below
Tuchel urged supporters to keep the faith following the match, remarking: "It is a long tournament. I think the boys tried everything, and again they played with the right energy.
"I know it's a very different game and, in this case, if one team tries to play and to run against this deep block and you don't find the spaces, it is difficult for you to create chances, it can be difficult to watch.
"It is not as exciting as two teams trying to win it in a more open game. We always try to entertain our fans. It was difficult today. I hope they don't lose belief. It is a long way to go. Credit to our opponent, and I just feel that I was right. We play in a very difficult group."