In a lighthearted exchange, Anthony Gordon found humor in a playful moment during a tense match against Mexico. This ability to transform experiences into motivation has been a hallmark of his career, one that led him to a remarkable £60.7 million transfer to Barcelona from Newcastle in late May. As he gears up for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami, this drive remains evident.
Many have witnessed the amusing incident that unfolded at the Azteca Stadium, where, while the score was still level, Mexico’s manager Javier Aguirre cheekily shouted, “It was a bit of fun. I’d just run the full-back down the line so it was a bit of a compliment from him. That’s how I took it, anyway. He was talking to me and Jude [Bellingham] throughout the game. There was a lot of tension, so to speak to me and Jude … I quite liked it.” at Gordon, only to break into laughter. Gordon reciprocated the humor, recalling, “I didn’t enjoy it at the time but I can use that for experience,”
Initially, the match was challenging for Gordon, but he soon became pivotal in England’s performance. He contributed significantly to Jude Bellingham’s second goal and earned a crucial penalty that Harry Kane converted, securing a 3-2 victory despite England being down a player due to Jarell Quansah’s red card. The resilience showcased under daunting circumstances is how Gordon thrives.
The 25-year-old forward often seems to find his best form when facing adversity. He reflected on his lack of playing time during Euro 2024, recalling his solitary substitute appearance against Slovenia. This sense of frustration fuels his determination in the current tournament.
“I’m not going to lie … I wanted the No 11 shirt here. But when I got No 18, which is what I had at the Euros, I thought: ‘It’s actually a good thing because I get to put [things] right in that number.’ It was a waste of a summer for me [in 2024].” he states. “The reason I’ll always do well is because my mentality towards disappointment is very good,”
Gordon’s World Cup journey began on a shaky note, as he struggled to make an impact in England’s opener against Croatia, a match they ultimately won 4-2. After being dropped for the subsequent match against Ghana, he felt the pressure when he was called to replace Marcus Rashford against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His two assists in the 2-1 comeback victory marked a turning point.
“The first two games didn’t go how I dreamt of starting in a World Cup at all. But when I’m called upon against Congo, I reacted very well. “I missed a lot of football towards the end of the season [because of injury at Newcastle] and I didn’t think it would feel how it felt in the first two games. I felt rusty. But I used them as a platform for the Congo game. I felt like I’d played it safe. I wasn’t playing to my individual strength. When I got the chance against Congo, I just thought: ‘I’m not doing that. I’m going to do the things that got me here.’” he expresses. “I was born in Norris Green in Liverpool and then moved to Walton,”
Reflecting on his roots, Gordon credits his upbringing in Liverpool’s challenging neighborhoods for shaping his determination. “Both are very poor areas, a lot of things going wrong, but there are things going wrong everywhere. It made me who I am. It created a very strong character and fire in me to get out of that area and want better for my family.” he shares. “My drive … that is all we have,”
During his presentation at Barcelona, Gordon surprised the media by responding to questions in Spanish, showcasing his commitment to personal growth.
“We play football and we kid ourselves that we play to win. We want to win, of course. But we want to see who we can become. I have always been very intrigued to see who I can become, mentally. I’m from a very poor background, just a normal family, and I have made the journey to this level. I want to keep doing that. I want to learn as many languages, read as many books and see what kind of person I can become.” Gordon asserts. “I missed a night’s sleep because I struggle to sleep on planes,”
Gordon acknowledged the difficulties of traveling back to Kansas City after the match against Mexico, especially regarding sleep deprivation. “We had two hours to the airport, a three-hour flight and then an hour to the hotel so that was a big problem. I don’t want to speak for everyone but I’m guessing everyone felt the same. It was a tough two days [to recover]. But having Monday and Tuesday off has really helped. I feel quite refreshed.” he admits. “I felt it as soon as we landed,”
His experiences in Mexico City also highlighted the physical challenges posed by altitude. “I was sitting in my hotel room and you keep having to take deep breaths, like long inhales. I felt it in the first 20 minutes of the game in recovery sprints. Then, once the 20 minutes was gone, I was completely fine.” he recalls. “There was so much talk about the altitude and I had to put that to bed and show it’s not physical, it’s mental,”
However, Gordon emphasizes the mental aspect of overcoming such challenges. “I said to the lads as soon as Jarell was sent off that it will be even sweeter when we win. Because I had a feeling. I just knew. I could feel it within the group. And I was right.” he states. “Everything is about the higher purpose with him,”
Gordon speaks highly of England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, describing him as a deeply spiritual figure and a motivational force, focused on the collective goal rather than individual accolades. “It’s not about individuals. It’s us killing our egos and putting ourselves beneath the end goal.” Gordon notes.
As he prepares for the next match against Norway, Gordon reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of the game against Mexico, recognizing the importance of maintaining focus. “lovely person, very misunderstood from the outside” he emphasizes. “Yes, as soon as he saw me,”
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