Anthony Gordon's performance in England's 3-2 UEFA Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley drew widespread praise from the Spanish media, even as the Barcelona winger's team-mates struggled. The same outlets were far less complimentary about Marc Guehi, whose early error allowed Lamine Yamal to score.
Gordon impresses despite defeat
Gordon's incisive finish pulled the Three Lions level at Wembley after Spain had taken an early lead. Thomas Tuchel's side fell behind almost immediately when Yamal capitalised on a mistake by Guehi deep in his own half, finishing smartly past James Trafford.
England showed fight to lead at half-time thanks to Harry Kane's go-ahead goal, but ultimately suffered a second-half collapse. Despite the defeat, Gordon received a glut of positive plaudits in the Spanish press.
Spanish press verdicts
AS assessed Spain right-back Marc Pubill, noting: "At times, it was clear he's more accustomed to playing center-back than full-back, and he was outplayed by Barcelona's Gordon, the star of the night at Wembley."
The same newspaper rated Gordon as one of five England players to receive a two-out-of-three rating, alongside Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Elliot Anderson and Bukayo Saka. Marca saw it almost identically, except Harry Kane was also counted as a sixth player to receive that commendation.
Guehi's howler criticised
The same could not be said for Guehi, who was lambasted following his role in Yamal's breakthrough. Marca's review described the Manchester City defender's 'howler' before giving him the lowest grade possible.
Marca ranks players on a one-to-three-star basis, with scorers Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal the only players to receive the highest grades. Guehi was the only player on the field to receive a zero-star grade following his early slip in front of goal.
AS also derided Guehi's contribution leading up to Yamal's 104-second opener. The Barcelona ace capitalised on the England defender's sluggish start and 'pickpocketed' his opposite man in cunning fashion.
"He pulled out the football book he used to teach in the parks of Mataró and, like the street smarts he always was, anticipated Guehi's next move, snatched his wallet, and positioned himself in front of the centre-back to show him that either he let him finish the play, or he'd be sent off," read its review.
Guehi was guilty of endangering himself and the team with his dithering in defence, which put the ball on a plate for Yamal. The City man got more into the match over time, though that early gaffe inevitably left a significant stain on his display.
All in all, England shouldn't rake themselves over the coals too much for what was an embattled display against the current world champions. After previously being slated by sections of the Spanish media for his displays at Barca, Gordon is steadily improving his reputation in the country he now calls home.
