Barcelona World Cup Spotlight: Anthony Gordon provides an assist as England get past Norway | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now deep into its business end, and the quarter-finals have started to separate the survivors from the serious contenders.

England took on Norway in Miami Gardens with a place in the semi-finals at stake, and the game delivered the kind of tension expected at this stage of the tournament.

It was not always pretty, especially from England’s point of view, but it was dramatic enough to keep the tournament’s momentum alive.

Norway came into the tie with confidence after knocking out Brazil, and they played like a team that believed their story was not finished.

Andreas Schjelderup gave them the lead in the first half, and for long spells, England looked short of rhythm and control.

Anthony Gordon impressed vs Norway. (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

The conditions did not help either. The game kicked off in 33 degree celsius heat with 65% humidity, making it a real test of endurance as much as quality.

England struggled to impose themselves for long periods, especially in the second half. Norway even had a goal ruled out after the break.

However, knockout football often comes down to moments, and England had Jude Bellingham.

The Real Madrid midfielder equalised just before half-time and then scored again in extra time, sealing a 2-1 win that sent England into the World Cup semi-finals.

For Barça, the focus is Anthony Gordon. Here is how the new summer signing fared against Norway.

Anthony Gordon vs Norway

Anthony Gordon’s performance against Norway was not his loudest of the tournament, but it still had one decisive moment.

The former Newcastle star provided enough impact without fully controlling the left flank. He was not England’s main star, but he played a direct role in their first goal.

That moment came in first-half stoppage time.

Gordon received the ball on the left and delivered a low pass inside, allowing Bellingham to burst into space and finish across Orjan Nyland.

Gordon played a key role in England’s win. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

For Gordon, that was the key contribution. He did not need to beat three defenders or produce a spectacular cross.

He made the right decision at the right time, finding Bellingham in a pocket where he could attack the goal.

Gordon’s pace and direct running are obvious, but at Barça, the final choice is everything. He has shown on multiple occasions at this World Cup that he has that in his locker.

There were still limitations in his performance. England lost control in the second half, and Gordon became less influential as Norway pushed higher and forced the game into their rhythm.

He was substituted late in the second half, as Tuchel decided to sacrifice his pace and direct running for midfield control through Eberechi Eze.

Barça will be hoping that he can add the ability to stay influential for the entire 90 minutes, but his performance in a different system cannot be the yardstick by which to judge him in this regard.

Still, this was a positive night overall. Gordon started a World Cup quarter-final, assisted England’s equaliser and helped them survive a difficult knockout test.

He may not have produced a complete performance, but he produced a meaningful one, and it remains to be seen how he fares against Argentina next.