Anthony Gordon reveals what Marcus Rashford is REALLY like with verdict on England rival

Anthony Gordon has described his main rival for an England starting place as ‘unbelievable’ and given a fascinating insight into a player who has divided opinion in recent years. Thomas Tuchel has always been a fan of Marcus Rashford but gave Gordon the nod for the 5-0 win in Serbia last month.

But Rashford did score in that stunning victory in Belgrade, having replaced Gordon midway through the second half and converted a late penalty. And Gordon, 24, has nothing but admiration for the Manchester United attacker, currently on loan at Barcelona.

The Newcastle United attacker said: “I think his mindset is unbelievable. People have written him off and he’s been through so much over the past couple of years.

“To get back to these levels … people will never understand how hard that is to do. He deserves a lot of credit.

“He’s a lovely guy. He’s quiet, nice and just goes about his business. The perception of him outside is quite crazy. He’s a nice, polite lad.”

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Rashford, 27, is enjoying his time with Barcelona, scoring twice in their win at St James’ Park in the Champions League. And Gordon believes his success in Spain shows a strong character.

“As humans, when someone is successful, we want to knock them off their perch,” said Gordon. “When you are so successful so young, people almost get bored a little bit and move you on and look for the next one to come through.

“That’s why it’s a testament to his mentality that he hasn’t let that happen. He’s still playing for England, Barcelona and in the Champions League. It’s a testament to his character.”

One area in which Rashford would appear to have the edge over Gordon is the goalscoring department. Rashford has scored 18 times in 64 international appearances - Gordon has one in 14.

And the Newcastle man knows that is a record that needs to be improved. And that is why he is picking the brains of Harry Kane.

“When I watch Harry finish, it’s not accidental why he scores so many goals. He’s so locked into practice, he’s so focused,” said Gordon.

“It’s not a big secret that I’m not very good at heading the ball so I went to him at the last camp and asked him if he could give me any tips on scoring a header, because I was missing loads. He gave me a good tip that I’ll keep between us.

"But I’ve definitely improved since then. I probably do his head in most of the time, to be honest, but I try and just pick anything I can from him because he's a genius.”

And in his new club team-mate Nick Woltemade, Gordon sees a hint of Kane, saying: “I do think they play a very similar style of football, in terms of they want to almost be the quarterback. They want to come in and create - they don’t just want to finish the chances like a typical striker would do.”

And the regular taker was mightily impressed with the way Woltemade converted a penalty against Nottingham Forest in last weekend's Premier League game after Gordon had been substituted.

“It was top,” said Gordon. “I was a bit gutted to be off the pitch because I couldn’t take it. He did extremely well - it was a big moment for him but he is in great form. Long may it continue.”

But will Gordon retain penalty duties for Newcastle after Woltemade’s eye-catching spot-kick? “Of course,” smiles the Scouser.

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