Spanish media were left in raptures by Anthony Gordon's latest standout performance in England's 7-0 Nations League rout of Croatia in Rijeka. The Three Lions produced one of their most dominant performances in recent years, dismantling Slaven Bilic's side in a stunning victory.
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Gordon and Bukayo Saka all starred in the attacking display. Kane and Saka both scored twice and added an assist, Bellingham scored one and made two others, while Gordon scored one and created another. Substitute Morgan Rogers added a late seventh as Thomas Tuchel's side posted a memorable win.
Spanish media praise Gordon's 'impossible' moment
Spanish outlets were naturally drawn to the performances of Barcelona's ex-Newcastle man Gordon and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham. The pair combined for England's second goal, with Gordon producing an outstanding piece of control to bring down Bukayo Saka's cross and set 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 raved: "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."
Gordon's wider performance earns plaudits
There was praise for Gordon's wider performance, with AS calling 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."
Pointing out that Gordon had been involved in eight goals in his last seven England games, SPORT said Gordon should return to Barcelona in tip-top form, saying: "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."
From World Cup debate to Barcelona star
Mundo Deportivo called it a "Gordon show" as it said: "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 come a long way since England's previous game against Croatia at the World Cup. At the time, there was debate over whether he or Marcus Rashford should start on the left flank. There were even suggestions in the Spanish media that Barcelona had signed the wrong Englishman after deciding not to make Rashford's loan permanent. However, in a matter of months, Gordon has emerged as one of Europe's top attacking players.
