Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon started as England lost their final friendly before heading out to America for the 2026 World Cup.
Of the five Newcastle United players left in the England squad for the Japan game, only Gordon saw action.
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Newcastle United chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan in the stands at St James' Park, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looks to the ground
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With Harry Kane out injured, Gordon formed part of what should have been a fluid frontline alongside the likes of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden.
It did not work, however, as England were punished for a poor performance in their 1-0 defeat at Wembley.
Here’s how the national media rated Gordon’s display.
BBC Sport gave Gordon a 5/10 rating and said: “Put in another energetic performance with lots of hard work but not many moments to threaten the Japan defence.”
The Sun handed Gordon a 3/10 and wrote: “His final ball wasn’t good enough on the night, and Karou Mitoma comprehensively outshone him from the opposition.”
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“Marcus Rashford looked really good against Uruguay and was a constant threat, so that position in Tuchel’s XI may have just got a whole lot closer.”
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Meanwhile, Standard Sport said while delivering a 5/10 rating: “A threatening runner who found some nice passes but also gave the ball away and did not necessarily press his case to start on the left over Marcus Rashford.”
The Guardian rated Gordon as a 4/10 and said: “Struggled with positioning in messy front four. Has not dislodged Marcus Rashford.”
It wasn’t a successful night for England, but it surely offers very little indication on what will happen this summer.
So many key players pulled out of the squad due to injury and the teams who played against Uruguay and Japan will look very little like the one who lines up against Croatia when England begin their World Cup campaign.
Thomas Tuchel rates Gordon highly and he remains locked in a battle with Marcus Rashford for a starting berth on the left wing.
England players pose for pre-match photograph before they play in an international friendly at Wembley.
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Anthony Gordon stats vs Japan
Like so many others in an England shirt, Gordon failed to impress.
As per FotMob data, he created only one chance in the 71 minutes he was on the pitch, while failing to have a shot.
Gordon didn’t complete a single dribble or any of the six crosses he attempted at Wembley.
While he certainly didn’t do much to advance his case, he has so far proven to be a key player under Tuchel and it’s difficult to imagine him being suddenly dropped.
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