Mexico manager Javier Aguirre swore at Anthony Gordon during a hydration break in England’s last-16 World Cup win – and the winger says he took it as a compliment. “It’s just a bit of fun,” Gordon said after the 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium. “With all the heat and tension around the game, it was a bit of fun. I’d just run the full-back down the line so it was a bit of a compliment from him. That’s how I took it anyway.”
The incident, which went viral, saw the 67-year-old first speak to Jude Bellingham before shouting an explicit remark at Gordon, prompting both to laugh. Gordon, who moved from Newcastle United to Barcelona this summer, added: “He seemed like a good guy, he was talking to me and Jude throughout the game. There was a lot of tension in the game so to speak to me and Jude, I quite liked it.” Aguirre has since left his post and been replaced by Rafael Marquez.
“Aguirre swore at Gordon during England's 3-2 win; Henderson broke wrist; Kane yellow card confusion.”
England’s win was secured by two goals from Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty, though Jarell Quansah was sent off. The Three Lions now face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 11 July (22:00 BST) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami – but they will be without midfielder Jordan Henderson, who broke his wrist during post-match celebrations. The 36-year-old slipped while trying to jump over an advertising hoarding at the Azteca after the win, underwent surgery, and is now ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
England assistant Anthony Barry has tipped Henderson for a future coaching role, telling talkSPORT: “He has it all, he’s the full package … when it comes to football IQ, he can really hold court with anyone. The future is bright for Jordan, I’m sure. Maybe one day he takes my seat.” Henderson has played only 12 minutes at the World Cup. Quansah is also unavailable due to a two-match suspension after his red card.
Questions remain over whether Harry Kane is at risk of a ban after a graphic during the Mexico match showed the captain had been booked, though the exact disciplinary situation ahead of the quarter-final is unclear.
