Gordon slams 'disrespect' over EA FC 27 defensive rating as Bellingham left speechless

Anthony Gordon publicly called out EA Sports for ‘disrespect’ after his defensive rating of 50 in EA FC 27 was revealed during an England squad video, with Jude Bellingham left jaw-dropped at the figure alongside him.

Gordon, who has scored in four consecutive England matches during the current international break — including a goal in the 7-0 demolition of Croatia at the weekend — was taking part in a ratings prediction challenge with Bellingham and Morgan Rogers when the numbers were unveiled. The 25-year-old topped the six-man group for pace with a score of 91, but his defensive rating of 50 placed him fifth out of six, just one point above Harry Kane and 17 points below Rogers’ score of 67.

“How can I be lower than that? Oh my god. The disrespect on that! Are we comparing my defending to Ez?” Gordon said, referring to Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, who topped the defensive rankings. Rogers, barely able to contain his laughter, fired back at Gordon: “Based on that, Ez would dribble past you.”

Bellingham, who had previously defended Gordon’s defensive contribution by pointing to his pressing ability, was visibly stunned when the figure appeared on screen. Before the defensive scores were shared, the Real Madrid midfielder had said: “I do think defensively [Rogers] is really good, but Ant’s pressing, I feel like they’d see that more.”

The trio also discussed Gordon’s shooting rating, where the winger had modestly placed himself behind Kane, Bellingham, Rogers, and Eberechi Eze. Both Bellingham and Rogers pushed back on that self-assessment. “I think Ant’s being a bit too modest,” Bellingham said, with Rogers in agreement.

Gordon joined Barcelona in a £69 million move from Newcastle United this summer, having struck 17 goals last season — the majority coming across his 12 Champions League appearances for the Magpies. He is yet to score for the Catalan club but has contributed five assists in seven appearances for the reigning La Liga champions. England host Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, where Gordon will look to extend his scoring run to five successive international matches.