Anthony Gordon Admits “Paranoia” in Fight for World Cup Spot
England winger Anthony Gordon reveals his 'paranoia' in securing a spot in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.
“It's a World Cup year, and everyone seems to be flying...”
England winger Anthony Gordon is staying humble and hungry, refusing to take his national team spot for granted. With a sense of “paranoia,” Gordon is pushing himself to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the 2026 World Cup. Despite his impressive performance in England's 5-0 thrashing of Serbia last month, Gordon knows that competition is fierce and players are always coming and going.
Gordon believes Jude Bellingham will be back in the team soon, saying, “I think we all know that if he's playing week in, week out for Real Madrid, he is going to be in the England team.” Bellingham's absence from the current squad due to injury has been notable, but Gordon thinks it might have done him some good, given his heavy playing schedule for Real Madrid at a young age.
"You definitely notice when he's not here"
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 7, 2025
Anthony Gordon expects Jude Bellingham to return to the England squad when he's playing regularly for Real Madrid again 🏴 pic.twitter.com/513I8PivLn
The Newcastle United forward emphasizes the importance of teamwork over individual talent. “It's a World Cup year, and everyone seems to be flying,” Gordon said. “I think it's more about the team. We have to focus on the team, it's the team that's going to win tournaments, hopefully, and the moment we start making it about individuals is when we've got a problem.” With England's upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia, Gordon is focused on performing well and helping the team secure a World Cup spot.
“At this level, you see the squad changing all the time, players coming in, players leaving,” Gordon said from England's camp at St. George's Park.
“You've almost got to be a bit paranoid that you're not going to get in because it pushes you even further.
“You've always got to challenge yourself because the lads you're competing with are always at the highest level because that's the level we're playing at.”
England is set to host Wales in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, October 9, 2025, before facing Latvia in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Riga on October 14, 2025. A win against Latvia, coupled with a draw between Serbia and Albania, would guarantee England's spot in the World Cup. However, England has had a setback with Chelsea captain Reece James withdrawing from the squad due to injury, and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly has been called up as his replacement.
“I never think I'm nailed in, but obviously it's a massive goal for me and one I'm pushing for,” the 24-year-old Gordon said.
“It's up to us as players to push ourselves as individuals, and that ultimately challenges the next man in our position to do better again.
“It's a World Cup year, and everyone seems to be flying.
“I think it's more about the team. We have to focus on the team, it's the team that's going to win tournaments, hopefully, and the moment we start making it about individuals is when we've got a problem.”
Anthony Gordon believes Jude Bellingham's absence from the England squad won't last long, saying his talent and form for Real Madrid will likely secure his spot. Gordon dismissed speculation that Bellingham's place in the team is uncertain, emphasizing that Bellingham's quality will ultimately prevail.
“I think we all know that if (Bellingham) is playing week in, week out for Real Madrid, he is going to be in the England team,” he said.
“You definitely notice when he is not here because he is such a big presence, such a big player.
“But he has been injured, he has had a tough couple of months, and it's probably done him some good to be honest because he has played so much football for his age (22).”
Anthony Gordon believes Jack Grealish's absence from the England squad doesn't necessarily reflect on the player's abilities. “I don't think it's anything to do with them individually, I think they're all at different stages of their career,” Gordon said.
St. George's Park is ready to go! 😀 pic.twitter.com/acKVb13k5W
— England (@England) October 6, 2025
Upcoming Matches
- England vs Wales: Friendly match at Wembley Stadium on October 9, 2025
- England vs Latvia: World Cup qualifier in Riga on October 14, 2025
England currently tops their World Cup qualifying group with 10 points from four matches, while Latvia sits fourth with four points from their campaign so far.
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