Anthony Gordon hails ‘phenomenal’ Harry Kane as he compares England World Cup hero to Lionel Messi | OneFootball

Anthony Gordon has hailed Harry Kane as an "inspiration to all of us" after the England captain’s crucial two-goal intervention against the Democratic Republic of Congo kept the national side’s World Cup hopes alive.

England found themselves on the brink of a humiliating exit, trailing 1-0 with less than 15 minutes remaining in the last-32 tie. However, winger Gordon, introduced from the bench, twice set up Kane, who first headed home an equaliser before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top corner. This dramatic turnaround secured a last-16 clash against Mexico.

Reflecting on Kane’s decisive second goal, Gordon remarked: "You know what? As soon as he hit (the second goal), I knew it was going in. I was already celebrating."

He expressed particular admiration for Kane’s consistency rather than just his ability to score spectacular goals.

"It’s more the consistency that he surprised me with. Anyone can score a good goal, anyone at this level can put the ball in the top corner," Gordon explained.

England’s Harry Kane celebrates following the victory (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire)

"This is the consistency that he does it. Every day in training. Every game. He is phenomenal. He plays at such a high, high level," Gordon continued, drawing a comparison to football’s all-time greats.

"He’s having a season that’s only ever been beaten by Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time. So that speaks to the level he’s playing at."

Gordon emphasised the learning opportunity of playing alongside such an elite talent. "When you’re around someone like that, you want to pick up as many habits and watch everything he does to see why he’s at that level. It’s no accident, like I said, there’s consistency every day, how hard he works, every finishing drill. He does it with passion, he does it with seriousness. He never ever messes about. So it’s amazing to be around him. He’s definitely an inspiration to all of us."

Despite the victory, England’s defensive vulnerabilities were evident, a concern that looms large ahead of their daunting trip to Mexico. The upcoming match will see them face the host nation at their stronghold Azteca Stadium, compounded by the challenge of playing at altitude.

However, Gordon remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. "I’m really excited. It’s an amazing game of football, probably a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere and environment, so I’m really looking forward to it," he stated.

"It’s great to see who you can become in those moments, but I think we’re ready. We’ve got a great team, we faced adversity, we hold each other accountable so we’re in a great place, we have good momentum."

He underscored the importance of team spirit and preparation.

"I think momentum is massive with football. I knew we could face this type of adversity from the start of camp. Honestly, you get a feeling. Every squad you’re in, you know if they’re willing to go over the line when it comes to it.

“I know this team’s ready for that, because we train so hard every day, every session is serious, there’s no waste of time, and that’s a sign of a top team. You can have as many good players as you want but if a team’s not willing to do that in the toughest moments, they are not a top team."