Graeme Souness questions Anthony Gordon over conservative England displays
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has warned that Barcelona may regret their £70m purchase of Anthony Gordon following the winger’s underwhelming World Cup performances for England.
Gordon recently completed a blockbuster move from Newcastle United to the Catalan club after scoring 17 goals last season.
However, the forward has struggled to make an impact during the national team’s opening group games against Croatia and Ghana.
Souness issues stark warning
Writing in the Telegraph, Souness suggested the former Everton academy graduate has been playing far too safely on the international stage.
“It is absolutely fair to say they will have watched their new £70m winger Anthony Gordon in England’s opening group games and wondered what they have bought.”
The outspoken pundit stressed that such cautious tactical displays will not be tolerated in Spain.
“If Gordon turns up in Barcelona and plays as conservatively as he did against Croatia and Ghana then he will not be staying in Catalonia for too long.”
The English attacker faces immense pressure adjusting to life in La Liga at one of the world’s most demanding clubs.
Souness believes the newly signed star will inevitably face direct comparisons with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal at the Nou Camp.
“You are kidding yourself if you don’t think everyone around Barcelona, from fans to the media to the players, isn’t watching and saying: ‘If Yamal is doing that, what is Gordon doing?'”
Tuchel acknowledges left-sided struggles
England manager Thomas Tuchel has also conceded that his attacking options on the left flank have failed to replicate their pre-tournament form.
The Three Lions boss highlighted a drop in attacking threat compared to a recent warm-up victory over Costa Rica.
“The unit on the left side hasn’t provided the same quality as they did against Costa Rica.”
Despite the criticism, Tuchel defended the 23-year-old individually, insisting the tactical issues lay with the wider collective rather than a single player.
