Spanish media have highlighted what they call a 'big problem' for Anthony Gordon after the new Barcelona signing was dropped from England's starting XI for their 2-0 World Cup 2026 win against Panama, with Marcus Rashford taking his place. The Three Lions secured their spot in the round of 32 on Saturday evening with a hard-fought victory in their final group stage clash.
Rashford's Impact and Gordon's Omission
Manager Thomas Tuchel made several changes, including bringing in Marcus Rashford for the underperforming former Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. Rashford, who spent last season on loan at Barcelona, looked lively on the left flank in an otherwise lackluster first half. The deadlock was broken in the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham scored from a corner, and he set up Harry Kane five minutes later to seal the win. Gordon did not get a single minute of playing time.
The 25-year-old Gordon moved to Camp Nou for £70 million in May. Spanish media outlets are quick to point out his sub-par performances in the first two group games—a win against Croatia and a draw against Ghana—and contrast them with Rashford's impressive outings.
Spanish Media Reactions
AS reported that the Rashford-for-Gordon swap is likely to be permanent moving forward, making it hard for the Barcelona winger to find starting minutes at the World Cup. Its report stated: 'Rashford replaced Gordon, a Barcelona player, and Bukayo Saka started for the first time. This move looks set to be permanent. New wingers after the fruitless siege against Ghana.'
Another article from AS suggested Gordon faces added pressure as a Barcelona star: 'The pressure of playing in his first World Cup and being the most expensive signing of the summer is taking their toll [on Gordon]. He's neither standing out nor failing to impress. And that's the big problem.'
Sport was quick to praise Rashford's performance against Panama, claiming he stood above Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, further piling pressure on the benched Gordon. Its report reads: 'The former Barcelona player won the starting spot over Gordon against Panama. He had to wait until the third matchday to appear in Tuchel's starting eleven and his performance, whilst not particularly brilliant, provided the only sparks of brilliance from England in the first half.'
'His were the only chances for the Three Lions, completely overshadowing players like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Jude Bellingham. All of England's danger came down the left flank, with an incisive and very active Rashford in attack.'
'All that praise comes at the same rate as punishment for Anthony Gordon. The new Barcelona signing arrived at the World Cup as the manager's expected starter. There was debate in Britain, but not in the mind of Tuchel, who gave him two chances to shine before benching him.'
