Ian Wright completely changed his mind on Anthony Gordon following England’s 3-0 victory over Costa Rica on Wednesday night.
Wright and Roy Keane discussed Thomas Tuchel’s biggest selection dilemmas before the game kicked off in Orlando.
They both agreed that Marcus Rashford should start over Gordon on the left wing in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia.
Gordon’s latest performance convinced Wright to make a U-turn on his previous comments.
After watching Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford, who are you picking to start against Croatia and why?
Ian Wright was left impressed by Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon was the best player on the pitch in England’s 3-0 win against Costa Rica and must have impressed Thomas Tuchel’s coaching staff.
He had the better of Costa Rica’s right-back from the first whistle and dribbled past him for England’s opening goal.
Gordon set up Declan Rice within 10 minutes, while he also doubled England’s lead by scoring a penalty in the second half.
He almost won another penalty when he was brought down inside the area, but the VAR overturned the referee’s original decision.
Not only did Gordon excite with the ball at his feet, but his direct runs behind the opposition defence made him an ideal target for Harry Kane’s through balls.
Wright admitted after the game that Gordon now deserves to start the Croatia game, with Rashford coming off the bench.
“I’ve got to say, with Gordon, I agree with what Roy said at half-time. [He was] taking his [defender] on the outside,” he told ITV.
“I thought he looked very sharp and really purposeful tonight. He’s put himself in with a shout of a start now. I thought he was very good… I’d probably start Gordon.”
Meanwhile, Wright was also convinced by England’s three-man midfield of Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham.
“I think Rice, Anderson and Bellingham looked pretty nailed-on,” he added, which would be bad news for Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Rogers.
However, there is no doubt that Tuchel will make the most of his 26-man squad throughout the tournament, especially if England reach the latter stages.
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