Anthony Gordon has addressed his recent career trajectory, emphasizing that his fundamental approach to the game remains consistent despite a shift in public perception. Gordon describes himself as a driven and reflective player committed to continuous self-improvement. This period of personal assessment follows his participation in the World Cup, where he experienced both high-profile success and tactical challenges.

During the tournament, Gordon’s performance was marked by a notable contribution in the semi-final against Argentina, where he scored the opening goal to give England a 1-0 lead. However, his match ended prematurely when he was substituted as manager Thomas Tuchel adjusted the team's formation to a back five. While Gordon views his journey as a steady progression, the "Barcelona factor" is frequently cited by observers as a turning point in his professional narrative. The discourse surrounding his career now focuses on whether his recent international exposure represents a permanent shift in his status as an elite-level player or a temporary peak in form. Gordon maintains that his internal drive has not changed, even as external expectations regarding his role on the pitch continue to rise.