Anthony Gordon has been in excellent form for England.
The former Everton winger scoring the first England goal in the 3-2 defeat to Spain.
The ex-Newcastle United star then scoring the first England goal in the 2-0 victory away at the Czech Republic.
Then the Barcelona summer signing getting an assist for the second England goal against Croatia and scoring the third himself, helping set Thomas Tuchel’s team on the way to a 7-0 history making result, the heaviest defeat that Croatia have ever suffered.
Anthony Gordon has been excellent in his general play for England as well in the trio of matches so far in this international break. Fair to say he has been the best player for the Three Lions across these September and October matches.
However, one thing is always transparently obvious, goals are the things that get you noticed. Especially of course when you are an attacking player where it is expected.
Before this current international window, Anthony Gordon had played 25 times for England and scored only four goals. The fact he had also contributed six assists is easily overlooked when there is a media agenda working against you. A bit like Anthony Gordon since he went to Barcelona, the media (especially in the UK…) loving the fact that he has yet to score for his new club, whilst totally ignoring the fact that he’s supplying assists on a regular basis.
Journalists can’t ignore you though when you are scoring goals. Just look at Harry Kane, I thought he actually played well overall against Croatia but in the vast majority of England matches I think he contributes very little, apart from scoring goals…
Scoring in each of the three internationals has taken Anthony Gordon to another level in the eyes of the media and indeed, England fans and neutrals as well.
What has caught my eye is that he is now consistently doing that thing whereby if England are attacking down the right, Gordon regularly makes sure he comes in from the left and gets into potential goalscoring positions. I remember this getting shouted at me time after time as a kid when playing out wide.
Anthony Gordon reaping the benefits and the most recent two goals in the two matches have been extra special, the winger scoring against Czech Republic and Croatia with his head.
This has prompted an astonishing stat to come to light, in 248 appearances for his various clubs, 25-year-old Anthony Gordon has never scored a single headed goal!
Maybe this will be one of those where now he’s managed to find a way to score headed goals with England, Anthony Gordon won’t be able to stop doing so for club and country.