As the 2026 World Cup progresses, Anthony Gordon has emerged as a standout player for England, particularly in the face of competition from teammate Marcus Rashford. Initially, Gordon struggled to make an impact, but he has since reversed his fortunes, earning a starting role under coach Thomas Tuchel.

Gordon's journey in the tournament began with disappointing performances in matches against Croatia and Ghana, where he failed to create significant opportunities. In contrast, Rashford capitalized on his chances from the bench, scoring a crucial goal against Croatia, temporarily placing him ahead in the competition for the left-wing position.

However, the dynamics shifted dramatically during England's knockout match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite starting Rashford, who had a lackluster performance, Tuchel brought Gordon onto the pitch in the 61st minute. Gordon's immediate impact was undeniable; he provided two assists for Harry Kane, leading England to a comeback victory of 2-1, thus securing their place in the Round of 16.

Following this pivotal performance, Gordon continued to impress, particularly in a high-pressure match against Mexico, where he played the full 90 minutes and won a vital penalty. This contribution helped England to a 3-2 victory, propelling them into the quarter-finals.

With his recent form, Gordon has gained the trust of coach Thomas Tuchel, who is likely to rely on him in the upcoming quarter-final match against Norway. Meanwhile, Rashford, despite a solid season at Barcelona, has been returned to Manchester United, highlighting the shifting fortunes of these two talented players.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on Gordon to see if he can maintain his momentum and help lead England to further success in the World Cup.