The England team under Thomas Tuchel has yet to hit top form at this World Cup, and Anthony Gordon is among the players who have struggled to live up to expectations. The Barcelona winger started England's opening two group matches but was dropped for the final game in favour of former Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford. However, Rashford also failed to seize his opportunity, with his final ball and overall attacking contribution coming under criticism.
Despite those individual struggles, England topped Group L with victories over Croatia and Panama to secure their place in the knockout stages. They now face DR Congo in Atlanta, where Tuchel will hope his attacking players can finally find the consistency needed to fuel a deep World Cup run.
Is Antonhy Gordon expected to play for England tonight?
The short answer is no. While Barcelona's new signing is capable of playing anywhere across the front three and remains an option, many expect Tuchel to stick with his preferred attacking trio of Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.
Instead, the winger is more likely to be used as an impact substitute if England struggle to break down DR Congo. The African side are expected to defend deep and stay compact, making patience and fresh attacking legs potentially crucial in the latter stages.
There is also increased competition for the left-sided role. Noni Madueke could switch flanks from the right, while Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers are both viable options in a more fluid, free-roaming role. With Tuchel boasting plenty of attacking depth, Gordon may once again find himself waiting for an opportunity from the bench.
How Anthony Gordon has performed for England recently
Gordon showed flashes of promise against Croatia, benefiting from the space left by his opponents' attacking approach. Although he failed to create a clear-cut chance, he was direct with his running and pressed Croatia's back line effectively. However, Rashford's introduction from the bench, and his subsequent goal, did little to strengthen Gordon's case for keeping his place.
Tuchel handed Gordon another opportunity against Ghana, but it proved to be a frustrating afternoon. The winger spent much of the match in Marvin Senaya’s pocket and struggled to influence proceedings. England's attack underperformed as a whole, but Gordon's display was arguably the most disappointing of the forward line.
His omission against Panama suggested Tuchel had a change of heart, instead giving Rashford the chance to stake his claim for a starting role ahead of the knockout stages. He was impactful but will need to improve his final ball to really keep Gordon out of the team for the long run.
England team news vs DR. Congo
A right-back injury crisis threatens to derail England's World Cup campaign as they prepare for their Round of 32 clash with DR Congo.
Jarell Quansah was forced off injured against Panama, leaving Thomas Tuchel without a recognised fit right-back after Reece James had already been ruled out. Djed Spence is the leading candidate to step in, although Tuchel could instead shift Ezri Konsa to full-back and restore John Stones to the centre of defence.
Elsewhere, Declan Rice is available again and is expected to return to the starting XI. There are also growing calls for Kobbie Mainoo to be handed a place in midfield after England's mixed performances during the group stage.
Beyond those potential adjustments, Tuchel is not expected to make any major changes as England look to book their place in the Round of 16.
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