Anthony Gordon: How Barcelona winger became one of England's main men

Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Jordan Pickford and now Anthony Gordon.

Gordon was one of England's standout players at the World Cup and earned a big-money move to European giants Barca in the summer, while his good form has continued into his country's Nations League campaign.

In fact, the 25-year-old's England form has been building since the knockout stage of the World Cup began - his run of averaging a goal contribution every 69 minutes started with assisting both Kane's efforts in a 2-1 last-32 victory over DR Congo.

And after a positive start in Spain, where he has already picked up five assists in La Liga, Gordon looks to be joining boss Thomas Tuchel's "undroppable" bracket.

Tuchel likes to give his players clarity on their role and makes clear who they are up against in the squad and for a starting position.

"He was very decisive [against the Czech Republic] and had an excellent goal. It was very, very difficult but the technique and finishing was excellent.

Gordon linked up well with his former Newcastle team-mate Lewis Hall on England's left and combined with right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was making his first start for the Three Lions in nearly two years, for the opening goal.

"It's a great compliment and it's great to play with him," Alexander-Arnold said of Gordon.

Captain and record goalscorer Kane is a guaranteed starter in England's biggest matches but the position to the left of Kane has been a problem area for the team, with no player able to make it their own.

"His performances in the last couple of games have been some of his best that he has played in an England shirt," Kane said.

It has not always been a straightforward route into the team for Gordon.

Gordon started to emerge as a clear option during Lee Carsley's time in interim charge, but said himself last October that he had only shown "50%" of what he can do for England.