England have confirmed that Anthony Gordon has withdrawn from the squad after suffering an injury in Friday’s 2-0 win over Albania in World Cup 2026 Qualifying.
The Newcastle United attacker replaced Marcus Rashford in the closing stages of Thomas Tuchel‘s first game, but he was worse for wear at full time after picking up a hip problem.
Tuchel immediately expressed concern about Gordon’s condition at full time, stating that the winger’s issue ‘did not look good’ and plunging his hopes of playing against Latvia on Monday into serious doubt.
Following initial checks, England announced on Sunday morning that Gordon will be heading back to Newcastle and will not be involved in their second Group K match at Wembley.
“Anthony Gordon has withdrawn from Three Lions camp having sustained an injury during Friday night’s 2-0 win over Albania. The forward has returned to Newcastle United for further assessment,” a statement read.
It is still not clear how severe the 24-year-old’s problem is, but he is already guaranteed to miss Newcastle’s first game back against Brentford on April 2 as he serves the third and final game of his ban for violent conduct in the recent FA Cup loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Gordon will be eligible to return away to Leicester City on April 7, although it remains to be seen whether the ex-Everton attacker – who has scored nine goals and provided six assists from 34 games this season – will be fit to face the Foxes.
Who can Tuchel select on the left against Latvia?
© Imago
Gordon’s hip problem is not just a blow for Tuchel, but for the player himself, as he surely would have been in with a strong chance of making his eighth England start against Latvia on Monday night.
Manchester United-owned Aston Villa loanee Rashford was given the nod against Albania, but both he and Manchester City attacker Phil Foden were singled out for criticism by Tuchel in his post-game press conference.
The England manager told reporters that neither Foden nor Rashford were as “impactful” as he was hoping, but the latter shares a Premier League dressing room with a very impactful attacker.
Indeed, fellow Villa star Morgan Rogers should now be in with a terrific chance of making his full England debut on Monday, as the versatile 22-year-old is equally competent on the left wing as he is in the number 10 slot.
Jude Bellingham has nailed down the most advanced midfield position in the England team, but with Gordon gone and Rashford flattering to deceive on Monday, the left-wing spot is very much up for grabs.
Rogers also came off the bench to win his third cap for England on Friday night, having previously made two substitute appearances against Greece and the Republic of Ireland in November’s UEFA Nations League victories.
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