England winger Anthony Gordon has dismissed a viral touchline exchange with Mexico manager Javier Aguirre as a joke, insisting the former coach's explicit remark was actually a compliment.
The incident occurred during a first-half hydration break in England's 3-2 World Cup round-of-16 victory at the Azteca Stadium.
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Aguirre was seen speaking to midfielder Jude Bellingham before shouting an explicit comment at Gordon near the touchline.
Both individuals laughed immediately after the remark, which later circulated widely on social media.
Gordon's Take on the Exchange
Gordon described the manager's behavior in a positive light, calling it "just a bit of fun."
"With all the heat and tension around the game, it was a bit of fun," the forward said.
He felt the shout was actually an acknowledgment of his effective play on the wing.
"I'd just run the full-back down the line so it was a bit of a compliment from him.
That's how I took it anyway," Gordon added.
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Gordon noted that Aguirre seemed like a good guy, as he was talking to both him and Jude throughout the game.
"There was a lot of tension in the game so to speak to me and Jude, I quite liked it," he said.
During the first half, Jude Bellingham scored twice for England before Julian Quinones responded for Mexico.
England defender Jarell Quansah later received a red card, but Harry Kane extended the lead with a penalty kick.
Raul Jimenez scored a late penalty for Mexico, but England held on to secure a quarter-final match against Norway on Saturday, July 11.
The match also trended online due to Harry Kane losing his voice and England defender John Stones pretending to be injured.
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Following the tournament exit, Aguirre left his position after a 31-year managerial career and was replaced by Rafael Marquez.
