Anthony Gordon continued his wonderful form since signing for Barcelona as England crushed Croatia in the Nations League
Anthony Gordon of England celebrates scoring his team’s third goal
Gordon starred in England's thrashing of Croatia(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
Spanish media were left in raptures by Anthony Gordon's latest standout performance in England's rout of Croatia. The Three Lions produced one of their most dominant performances in recent years, dismantling Slavan Bilic's side in a stunning 7-0 victory in the Nations League.
Their attacking quality came to the fore in Rijeka as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Gordon and Bukayo Saka all made hay. Kane and Saka both scored twice and got an assist, Bellingham scored one and made two others, while Gordon scored one and created another.
Substitute Morgan Rogers added a late seventh as Thomas Tuchel's side posted a memorable victory. Spanish outlets were naturally drawn to the performances of Barcelona's ex-Newcastle man Gordon and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham.
The pair combined for England's second goal, with Gordon producing an outstanding piece of control to bring down Bukayo Saka's cross and set up Bellingham. SPORT said: "Gordon, nicknamed 'Antoni Gros' in Barcelona, pulled off a moment of magic. With a turn, he positioned himself and delivered a precise left-footed ball to Bellingham."
Mundo Deportivo raved: "Gordon made a control that seemed impossible, turned around and laid it back to Bellingham, who only had to push it into an almost empty net."
There was praise for Gordon's wider performance, with AS calling him "one of the standout players" alongside Bellingham. SPORT added: "Speedy as ever, he tirelessly patrolled the left flank, leaving everyone in his wake.
Anthony Gordon brings the ball down before setting up England's second goal
Gordon brings the ball down before setting up England's second goal(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
"He dribbled, linked up intelligently and found the net again. After missing a one-on-one chance, he made it 3-0 with a diving header." Pointing out that Gordon had been involved in eight goals in his last seven England games, SPORT said Gordon should return to Barcelona in tip-top form, saying: "Gordon is still searching for his first goal as a Barca player.
"But that's what this long break is for: to sharpen his nose for goal. He has scored in his last three games and had the pleasure of assisting Bellingham for the second goal."
Mundo Deportivo called it a "Gordon show" as it said: "The Barcelona player, who scored against Spain and the Czech Republic, couldn't miss his chance against Croatia.
Anthony Gordon of England celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammate Jude Bellingham
Gordon celebrates scoring England's third goal(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
"This time it wasn't with a run into space, his speciality, but with a diving header at the far post. A Gordon show."
Gordon has come a long way since England's previous game against Croatia at the World Cup. At the time, there was debate over whether he or Marcus Rashford should start on the left flank.
There were even suggestions in the Spanish media that Barcelona had signed the wrong Englishman after deciding not to make Rashford's loan permanent. However, in a matter of months, Gordon has emerged as one of Europe's top attacking players.