Anthony Gordon, snapped up by Barcelona in a big-money summer move, put England ahead of Argentina in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final before he was substituted late in the second half.
According to NBC News and CNN, Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, meeting a low cross from Morgan Rogers – set up by a raking Harry Kane pass out of midfield – to beat Emiliano Martínez for his first-ever World Cup goal. It was England’s first shot on target of the afternoon, arriving after the longest shotless start to a men’s World Cup match since 1966.
Ezri Konsa On For Gordon As England Manage The Lead
Gordon was withdrawn in the 72nd minute for Ezri Konsa, per NBC News, as Thomas Tuchel moved to protect a one-goal lead against an Argentina side pushing hard for an equaliser through Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez. Jordan Pickford had already been called into action, twice, to keep Argentina out either side of the goal.
It is exactly the kind of stage Barcelona hoped they were buying into when they moved for the forward this summer, and it follows his say in England’s earlier win over DR Congo in the group stage. A big night for Gordon in Atlanta would put a Barcelona player – alongside Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, already through with Spain – firmly in the frame for World Cup final week, sharpening the sort of forward-line questions Hansi Flick has been weighing over Barcelona’s wing options since Gordon’s arrival.
England led Argentina 1-0 when Gordon left the field, with the match still to be decided.
