The battle for England’s left wing at the World Cup has taken a dramatic turn, and sources close to the Three Lions camp suggest the decision could reshape the entire tournament for the squad. The question? Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon? And now, former England star Gary Lineker has waded into the debate — and his take has fans buzzing.
Lineker, speaking on his Netflix series The Rest Is Football, reportedly broke down the dilemma facing manager Thomas Tuchel as the team prepares to face Croatia in Arlington, Texas, on June 17. According to Lineker, the choice boils down to tactics versus pure talent — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
“It depends how Tuchel wants to play,” Lineker said. “If he wants to press, Gordon is your man. The stats back it up. But if you’re picking the best player, Rashford is unbelievably talented.”
The drama intensifies after a bombshell report that Barcelona has decided against making Rashford’s loan permanent — despite his impressive 14 goals and 14 assists that helped the Catalan giants retain La Liga. Insiders claim the Blaugrana are unwilling to meet the £26 million option, instead offering just £13 million or another loan. And here’s where it gets spicy: Barcelona allegedly chose to sign Gordon from Newcastle instead, viewing the younger winger as stronger defensively.
The Social Media Fallout
Sources say Rashford removed all references to Barcelona from his social media accounts in the wake of the news — a move that some observers interpret as a clear message. “Marcus is all in on England now,” one insider told us. “He’s laser-focused on the World Cup, and he wants to prove he’s the man.”
Lineker’s Bold Prediction
While Lineker admitted he would personally start Rashford — “if he’s in form and confident, he’s been really, really good for Barcelona” — he also made a stunning prediction about Tuchel’s likely approach.
“I think Tuchel will start Gordon most of the time for that energy,” Lineker speculated. “He’ll use Marcus as an impact player off the bench. They’ll both feature, but I think that’s the play.”
The comment has set off a firestorm among England fans, with many questioning whether the most talented player should be relegated to a super-sub role. “It’s a luxury problem, sure,” one observer noted. “But this could define England’s World Cup run.”
What This Means for the Squad
If Lineker’s hunch is correct, it could signal a major shift in how Tuchel approaches big games. Gordon’s relentless pressing style might be favored in the early stages, especially against a powerhouse like Croatia. But if England falls behind, all eyes will be on a motivated Rashford to turn the tide.
One thing is certain: the pressure is on. With Barcelona reportedly cooling on Rashford and Gordon’s stock rising, this World Cup could be the stage that rewrites the narrative for both players. As one source close to the team put it, “The next few weeks will tell us everything about who really leads this England attack.”
England’s World Cup opener kicks off Wednesday, June 17, in Arlington, Texas. Stay tuned — this drama is far from over.
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