England have taken a stunning lead against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, with Anthony Gordon breaking the deadlock from close range.
The former Newcastle United winger, who recently sealed a transfer to Barcelona, has been waiting for his moment at this summer’s tournament and delivered it on the grandest stage possible.
Gordon has often been prolific from out wide, making that intelligent run from the left into the penalty area before tapping home to give England the advantage.
The goal was set up by superb work down England’s right flank, with Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers combining beautifully to create the opportunity for Gordon’s simple finish.
Rogers, not naturally suited to a right-flank role having spent much of his career on the left or in central attacking midfield for Aston Villa and England, adjusted brilliantly to his new position.
Manager Thomas Tuchel took a tactical gamble by deploying Rogers on the right this evening, and the decision has already begun to look like a masterstroke.
England’s right side had been a concern throughout the tournament, with Bukayo Saka’s fitness struggles leading to Noni Madueke filling the position across several matches.
While Madueke has his qualities, a lack of consistent impact forced Tuchel into reshuffling his attacking options, and Rogers has responded emphatically with a key assist.
For Gordon personally, this ranks among the most significant goals of his career, with England now pushing towards their first World Cup final appearance in 60 years.
The Barcelona-bound forward has produced a moment of real quality under pressure, and England’s supporters will be daring to dream of what could come next.
