Kane says Barcelona move has lifted Gordon’s England performances

Harry Kane believes Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona has increased the winger’s confidence and helped him become a more influential player for England.

Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle in a £69m deal before the World Cup, and Kane sees parallels with his own move to Bayern Munich from Tottenham in 2023. The England captain says playing for one of Europe’s biggest clubs can alter a player’s mindset.

“I think sometimes going to a big club like that gives you more self-belief, more confidence,” Kane said.

“You feel like you belong on the biggest stage and I think he’s taken that into his England performances.”

Gordon has scored in successive matches during the current international break, finding the net against Spain before adding England’s second in Tuesday’s 2-0 Nations League victory over Czechia.

The 25-year-old now has four goals in 25 appearances for England and has scored in three consecutive internationals. His pace and willingness to run directly at opponents have also made him one of Thomas Tuchel’s most prominent attacking players.

Kane believes Gordon’s progress is evident beyond his goalscoring record, particularly in the way he has approached his recent matches.

“He was outstanding against Spain on Saturday, again today he was the difference maker,” Kane said.

“He was always looking to be direct and be the one to get us ahead and a great finish from him as well.”

Gordon’s goal in Prague came from another England player who has recently completed a major transfer. Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered an excellent cross on his return to the team.

Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool for Real Madrid in 2025 and made his first start under Tuchel against Czechia. It was his first appearance in the international set-up since June that year.

Kane praised the defender’s display, but focused mainly on the influence Gordon’s move to Barcelona appears to have had on his development.

“He’s an important player for us right now,” Kane said.

Gordon spent several seasons at Newcastle, becoming an England international and an important player for the Premier League club before moving to Barcelona.

His promising start with his new club has been followed by an impressive spell with England, strengthening Kane’s belief that the transfer has helped the winger produce a more confident and direct style of football.

Kane scored England’s second goal in Prague to take his international total to 87, while Gordon’s form provides another positive for Tuchel as the forward continues to settle at Barcelona.