Anthony Gordon is expected to start for England against Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night, with his career momentum at an all-time high. The 25-year-old winger, who will join Barcelona for the 2026-27 season, has become one of the most compelling figures in English football, known for his deep thinking and intense drive.
Gordon's Journey from Poverty to Stardom
“We kid ourselves that we play football to win. We want to win of course, but we want to see who we can become,” Gordon told British media at England’s Kansas base this week. “I’ve always been very intrigued mentally to see who I could become. I am from a very poor area, a very poor background, just a normal family and I have obviously made the journey to this level.”
Gordon has been open about his mental struggles at Euro 2024, describing it as “horrendous” and a “waste of a summer” due to lack of playing time. Now, he is building momentum in the World Cup with two assists as a substitute against DR Congo and a tireless display against Mexico, where he won the penalty for Harry Kane’s winner.
Early Promise at Everton
Gordon made his Premier League debut under Carlo Ancelotti at age 18, against West Ham United in 2020. Ancelotti said at the time: “He is young but showing good personality and character... He has quality. He can improve his knowledge but he is ready to play in the Premier League without a problem.”
Gordon’s intensity and curiosity set him apart. After being dropped from the first-team squad, he sought an explanation from Ancelotti directly, a move the manager loved. “I love that he asked the question because this means that he is really interested in doing a proper job,” Ancelotti recalled.
Breakout Under Lampard and Toxic Exit
Under Frank Lampard, Gordon became a hero in Everton’s 2022 relegation escape, scoring the winner against Manchester United. Lampard said: “He's becoming more of a man, more of a leader with every game... His dedication and talent is huge.”
However, his relationship with Everton soured. In January 2023, after a defeat to Southampton, Gordon’s car was surrounded by angry fans chanting “get out of our club.” He submitted a transfer request, and Everton issued a terse 59-word statement with no good luck wishes. Gordon later posed with Newcastle teammates after they thrashed Everton, and missed a penalty at Goodison Park, which Everton mocked on social media.
Despite the acrimony, Everton benefited financially. The £40m transfer fee helped them avoid a more severe points deduction for financial breaches, and a 15% sell-on clause netted them around £3.5m from Gordon’s move to Barcelona.
Newcastle and Barcelona Move
At Newcastle, Gordon initially seemed a “sparky Scouser” but proved a deep thinker and excellent trainer. He became close friends with Elliot Anderson, and they would unwind at Whitley Lodge Snooker Club. Gordon said: “My confidence comes from my preparation... I just love learning about psychology.”
Gordon helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup, scoring against Arsenal in the semi-finals. However, with Newcastle finishing 12th and no European football, Gordon moved to Barcelona for £69.3m. He left a classy statement: “I arrived as a young boy... I hope you get the success you all deserve.”
World Cup Ambitions
Gordon puts his rise down to his “mentality towards disappointment” and ability to bounce back. As he prepares to face Norway, he hopes to become a World Cup winner. “Hopefully the next time we get an insight into Gordon’s deep thinking, it’s as a World Cup winner at the pinnacle of the sport,” writes Lee Ryder.
