Anthony Gordon's awkward national anthem error was spotted by England fans as the Barcelona star appeared to sing 'God Save the Queen' instead of the current version, 'God Save the King'. The 25-year-old played every minute in England's 3-2 win against Mexico on Monday, having been benched against DR Congo.
Pre-Match Blunder Caught on Camera
As the cameras panned across the England players singing the national anthem, eagle-eyed fans noticed that the ex-Newcastle forward failed to sing the current edition of the song. The anthem was known as 'God Save the Queen' for over 70 years during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, but it was changed following her death on September 8, 2022, to pay tribute to King Charles III.
One X user wrote: "Anthony Gordon fully committed during the national anthem for the huge England vs Mexico clash... still singing 'God Save the QUEEN' in 2026! We've got a King now, lad." Another said: "I'm so glad I wasn't the only one to spot that." A third understood his apparent error, commenting: "Can't blame him, she was around for so long even I sometimes forget we have a king now."
Gordon's Contribution to Victory
Despite the anthem mishap, Gordon played a key role in the match. He won the penalty that Harry Kane converted, helping England secure a 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium. The win booked England's place in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals against Norway, scheduled for Saturday at 10pm UK time.
Jude Bellingham's Praise
Jude Bellingham scored two of England's three goals and admitted post-game that the victory in Mexico City ranked as the greatest of his international career. The Real Madrid superstar said: "I've never been more proud of a group of lads, a squad, a nation. It was a country's performance. It felt like everything I've seen this week is the country behind us. All we've talked about this week is how difficult it's going to be in an unbelievable atmosphere against a very good team. To get this win is the best night of my England career so far, for sure."
The 23-year-old added: "I've been an England fan since I was 7 years old. I remember the 2010 World Cup was my first one and obviously in recent times we've had better moments, but I remember watching a few tournaments and some of the players are now on TV talking a lot and they struggled in these kinds of nights. It was tough because it didn't feel like we really got behind them because there wasn't much reason to, and to be part of an England team that gives so much to the country that can give them these moments and nights like this, it means as much as anything in my career and in my life, really."
