Gordon reflects on 'once in a lifetime' game in Mexico

England’s Anthony Gordon believes the Three Lions’ World Cup victory over Mexico is a night which will live long in the memory for all involved.

The Barcelona-bound forward was one of the key players in Thomas Tuchel’s team, who went into the fervent atmosphere of the Azteca Stadium and came away with a 3-2 win against one of the competition’s joint hosts.

Two first-half goals from Jude Bellingham put England ahead before Mexico reduced the arrears before the break to make it 2-1.

The Three Lions were reduced to ten men when Jarell Quansah was sent off soon after the restart, before Gordon was tripped in the area to win a penalty which Harry Kane converted to make it 3-1.

Another penalty at the other end followed, with Raul Jiménez despatching to set up a finale in which England dug in and successfully saw out the game to seal their place in the last eight and a quarter-final tie with Norway next weekend.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere,” reflected Gordon after the game.

“It was difficult but it was always going to test us, and it did in the worst possible way, and we’ve come through it. I can’t say any more about this group.

“The altitude in the first 20 minutes was tough. Even in training yesterday I could feel it in my chest, so it was a bit worrying.

“But listen, we’re good players, we play at the top level — we’re paid to handle these situations. We knew it would be tough, but we’ve got the fans’ expectations with them travelling all this way and we’re never going to let them down. Big players for big moments.”

Gordon was handed his opportunity in the starting lineup following his impact in the Round of 32 tie with DR Congo, when he came off the bench to set up two goals for Kane.

And he admits he knew he had to take his chance in Mexico City as the Three Lions looked to progress.

“I’m a player who wants to be good at everything, whatever the game needs,” he said.

“I can adapt my game and be effective in any way. Today I didn’t touch the ball that much, I don’t think, but I ran, I blocked crosses, I defended, I won a penalty. I just tried to do my best for the team.

“I knew when we went down to ten men I’d have to be trustworthy, I’d have to run more than ever, and I was happy to do so.”

The squad have now returned to their basecamp in Kansas City, where they will continue their recovery from this game before re-focusing on the next game, which sees them head to Miami to face Norway on Saturday 11 July (10pm BST).