After the elation of their win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, England return to World Cup action on Saturday night against Norway in the quarter-finals against Erling Haaland and co in Miami.
England players celebrating the victory over Mexico in Mexico City (Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Manager Anthony Gordon has warned that England should not take Mexico to the World Cup final and should only focus on winning the trophy.
Gordon was instrumental in England’s quarter-final victory against Norway in Miami on Saturday in Mexico City, perhaps their biggest victory on foreign soil. But Gordon warned that they should stop talking about their heroics in Mexico and focus on beating Norway as the next step to achieving their ultimate goal.
England winger Gordon said: “It was a great memory and there were some great moments, but the fact is we didn’t just come here to win that game. I don’t want people to think it was a final. We were emotionally high but now we need to get over it and focus on what’s next.”
“This is a big opportunity, but I think the way we do things is very important. The way we’re playing right now and people are really enjoying us because of the way we’re playing – that’s what we need to focus on.”
“We need to focus on how we play, how we play, how we train. In the end, that’s what got us here.”
“The moment you start thinking about results, trophies, medals, if you’re just thinking about superficial things, you’re off course. We have to really focus on the process.”
Gordon also stressed that Norway’s defeat of Brazil was not a shock, warning that Erling Haaland and others pose a major threat to England’s chances.
He added: “To be honest, it wasn’t a big shock for me. We talked within the team and it was 50-50 who would win. It wasn’t a big shock. Probably Brazil because of the name. Of course you can’t expect them to go, but if you look at the players, Norway can change the game really quickly.”
“There have been quite a few upsets in previous World Cups, so some people expected Norway to win, and I was one of them. I think they are a big threat and we need to really focus.”
“That’s why I want to destroy this game against Mexico. It was very emotional. Being criticized can be draining, but praise can be just as draining, so we really need to move on from there.”
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