Kane hails Gordon as England's 'difference maker' after Nations League win in Prague

Harry Kane singled out Anthony Gordon as England’s “difference maker” and lauded Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to the fold after both players delivered in England’s 2-0 Nations League win over Czechia in Prague on Tuesday night. Gordon headed home an Alexander-Arnold cross shortly after half-time to break the deadlock, before Kane wrapped up the victory to restore some order following Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Spain.

The result came in a match shaped early by Pavel Sulc’s first-half red card for the hosts, but England still had to produce — and it was their two Spain-based players who provided the quality. Gordon, who joined Barcelona from Newcastle in a high-profile summer move, has now scored in three consecutive international caps.

“I think sometimes going to a big club like that gives you more self-belief, more confidence,” Kane said of the 25-year-old winger. “You feel like you belong on the biggest stage and I think he’s taken that into his England performances. He was outstanding against Spain on Saturday, again today he was the difference maker. He was always looking to be direct and be the one to get us ahead and a great finish from him as well.”

Alexander-Arnold’s involvement was equally significant. The Real Madrid right-back had appeared to have no international future under Thomas Tuchel, but injuries to other players opened the door to his first England start since June 2025 — and he took it, delivering the cross that led directly to Gordon’s goal.

“Trent’s outstanding,” Kane said. “The delivery, the passing range, the crossing — but also today defensively he was outstanding. He’s been great in camp so far, the way he’s trained, the way he’s pushed himself and pushed others around him. He’s showing to the boss that he wants to be here, wants to be in this team.”

England now face Croatia away on Saturday before hosting Czechia at Wembley the following Tuesday. Kane, who has 87 international goals, will equal Peter Shilton’s 125-cap national record if he features in both fixtures — a milestone that adds further weight to what is already a pivotal Nations League window for Tuchel’s side.