Anthony Gordon has revealed the advice Marcus Rashford gave him after completing his dream move to Barcelona, while insisting their friendship will not be affected by competition for places in England’s World Cup team.
The former Newcastle United winger recently completed a high-profile move to the Spanish champions, signing a five-year contract after Barcelona agreed a deal worth around €80 million.
Gordon is joining a club where Rashford has already spent the past season on loan from Manchester United. Although Barcelona have yet to decide whether to make Rashford’s stay permanent, the England forward has already helped his international teammate settle into life in Catalonia.
Speaking while on England duty ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Gordon revealed Rashford had spoken warmly about both the club and the city.
According to Gordon, Rashford told him about Barcelona’s strong dressing-room atmosphere, praised the team spirit within the squad and offered advice on where to live in the city. Gordon described Rashford as a caring person who had been extremely helpful during the transition.
The pair now find themselves in an intriguing situation. Both are natural left-sided attackers and are competing for a starting place in Thomas Tuchel’s England side ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Rashford currently wears England’s No.11 shirt, while Gordon has been assigned No.18.
However, Gordon played down any significance attached to shirt numbers or personal rivalries, insisting his focus remains on helping England succeed rather than individual recognition. He also stressed that he is not concerned about who wears a particular number for club or country.
The Barcelona newcomer admitted he is still working towards full sharpness after a period with limited playing time. Despite that, he said he felt better than expected following England’s 1-0 victory over New Zealand and is eager to build momentum before the tournament begins.
England’s final World Cup warm-up match comes against Costa Rica before they begin their group-stage campaign against Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
For Gordon, the coming weeks could hardly be bigger. Not only is he preparing for his first World Cup as a Barcelona player, but he is also battling one of England’s most experienced forwards for a place in Tuchel’s starting line-up.
