World Cup 2026: ‘Check if the ink’s dry!’ – Barcelona urged to rethink £70m Gordon signing after Ghana struggle

Anthony Gordon has found himself at the centre of fierce criticism after England’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana, with pundits questioning both his place in Thomas Tuchel’s starting line-up and Barcelona’s decision to spend £70 million on the winger.

The former Newcastle United star started on the left flank as England failed to break down a disciplined Ghana side at the World Cup. However, after struggling to make an impact, Gordon was withdrawn after 65 minutes, with his performance quickly becoming one of the major talking points from the stalemate.

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara delivered a blunt assessment of the 25-year-old’s display and argued that Marcus Rashford should now be ahead of him in the pecking order.

“Gordon was poor. I don’t care what anyone says. He was poor, nowhere near it and he’s got to be better,” O’Hara said.

He added: “Marcus Rashford has to start. You can’t start Gordon over Rashford. Rashford is a better player than Gordon.”

Rashford comparison adds pressure

England struggled to create clear openings against Ghana’s compact defensive structure, with Gordon unable to provide the spark expected from a player signed by Barcelona for a premium fee earlier this year.

O’Hara suggested that was precisely the type of match in which England’s wide players needed to deliver a decisive moment.

“They had a low block, compact, tight, the wingers have got to win you the game,” he said. “Every time it went to Gordon, he did nothing with it.”

The pundit contrasted Gordon’s display with Rashford’s brief cameo, claiming the Manchester United forward injected urgency and creativity after entering the contest.

While O’Hara stressed he was not attempting to unfairly target Gordon, he insisted Rashford showed more attacking threat in a short spell than the Barcelona winger managed throughout his hour on the pitch.

Barcelona transfer comes under scrutiny

The criticism did not stop there. Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor went a step further by questioning Barcelona’s decision to commit such a substantial fee to the England international.

The Spanish giants secured Gordon’s signature from Newcastle in May, but Agbonlahor believes Tuesday’s performance only strengthened the view that the Premier League club secured the better end of the deal.

“If I’m Barcelona, I’m checking if the ink’s dry. £70m for Gordon, Newcastle must be laughing,” Agbonlahor said.

He also questioned Gordon’s effectiveness in one-on-one situations, suggesting the winger lacked answers against a Ghana defence that largely kept England’s attack under control.

Selection dilemma for Tuchel

The fallout leaves Tuchel facing an important decision ahead of England’s final Group L encounter against Panama. England and Ghana are level on four points, meaning top spot remains up for grabs heading into the decisive round of fixtures.

With calls growing for Rashford to be restored to the starting XI, Gordon now faces an anxious wait to discover whether he will retain his place.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will be hoping the criticism proves short-lived. After investing heavily in the winger, the Catalan club will expect a swift response as Gordon looks to silence his doubters on football’s biggest stage.