Spanish media have lavished further praise on Anthony Gordon following his superlative display in England's demolition of Croatia. The Three Lions delivered one of their most commanding performances in recent memory, tearing apart Slaven Bilic's side in a 7-0 triumph in the Nations League clash in Rijeka.
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Gordon and Bukayo Saka ran riot in the emphatic victory. Kane and Saka both netted twice and chipped in with an assist apiece, Bellingham struck once and set up three more, while Gordon grabbed a goal and laid on another with a stunning assist. Morgan Rogers, who came off the bench, rounded off the scoring as Thomas Tuchel's men sealed a remarkable win.
Spanish press fawn over Gordon and Bellingham
Spanish publications were inevitably drawn towards the showings of Barcelona's former Newcastle man Gordon and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham. The duo linked up brilliantly for England's second goal, with Gordon producing a breathtaking piece of control to bring down Saka's cross before teeing 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 gushed: "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."
'One of the standout players'
There was widespread acclaim for Gordon's overall display, with AS labelling him "one of the standout players" alongside Bellingham. SPORT added: "Speedy as ever, he tirelessly patrolled the left flank, leaving everyone in his wake. 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."
Noting that Gordon had contributed to eight goals in his previous seven England appearances, SPORT suggested Gordon should head back to Barcelona in excellent shape, stating: "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."
'A Gordon show'
Mundo Deportivo dubbed it a "Gordon show" as it reported: "The Barcelona player, who scored against Spain and the Czech Republic, couldn't miss his chance against Croatia. 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 gone from strength to strength since England's last encounter with Croatia at the World Cup. Back then, there was widespread conjecture over whether he or Marcus Rashford ought to feature on the left wing. There were even claims in the Spanish press that Barcelona had recruited the wrong Englishman after opting against making Rashford's loan deal permanent.
Yet within a few months, Gordon has established himself as one of Europe's most dangerous attacking talents. Following England's home clash with Czechia on Tuesday, he will return to Barcelona full of confidence.
