England winger Anthony Gordon reflected on his decisive role in the 3-1 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on July 6, 2026, where he won a penalty after a notable interaction with Mexico coach Javier Aguirre.
Gordon, who recently transferred from Newcastle to Barcelona for £70 million, reached a sprinting speed of 35.7 km/h during the match, drawing a foul from the Mexican defense.
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The sideline exchange with Aguirre went viral, but Gordon took it lightly.
"With all the heat and tension around the game it was a bit of fun," he said.
"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. I quite liked it."
Mindset Shift After Euro 2024
Gordon's limited role during Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate motivated a change in his approach for this World Cup cycle.
He recalled his frustration with minimal playing time in Germany, where he wore the same squad number.
"I didn't enjoy it at the time, but I can use that for experience," Gordon said.
When he received the number 18 shirt again, he texted his agent: "It's actually a good thing because I get to put right in that number.
Because in the Euros I was No 18 and I felt like it was a waste of a summer for me.
So, I viewed this as an opportunity to make something special out of that number."
