Tuchel should start Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford at the World Cup

Anthony Gordon's move to Barcelona, a deal that could rise to €80 million, has sharpened one of England's few selection questions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His near-fluent Spanish and immediate integration at Camp Nou have created a direct comparison with Marcus Rashford, and Thomas Tuchel is likely to give both players opportunities in the upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.

Rashford remains the more spectacular option on paper: he has scored for England at international tournaments, including three goals at the 2022 World Cup, and revived his club career at Barcelona with 14 goals and 11 assists — highlighted by a free-kick in May's Clasico.

Barca took him on loan with a €30m option, and his form has kept the lifeline Tuchel offered in March 2025 intact. Gordon's raw totals were less eye-catching last season — 17 goals, including 10 in the Champions League, and five assists — and Newcastle slipped to 12th in the Premier League as his campaign tailed off.

England

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