Lineker's Left-Wing Dilemma: Rashford Talent vs Gordon's Grit for England's World Cup Push

The left-wing question looms large for England's World Cup campaign this summer, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon competing for the starting berth under Thomas Tuchel's watch.

Both have delivered the goods this season. Rashford, on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, has been prolific in La Liga, notching 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances as the Spanish side claimed back-to-back league titles. Gordon, meanwhile, has been Newcastle's standout performer in a disappointing campaign, hitting 17 goals and five assists in 46 matches—a haul that's earned him a move to Barcelona in the summer window.

Speaking on Netflix's The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker—the former Spurs and England striker—has offered his take on how Tuchel will navigate this particular conundrum. The ex-Match of the Day pundit believes the German boss will lean towards Gordon's intensity and work rate, particularly if his tactical blueprint prioritises aggressive pressing from the front.

"The statistics back that up," Lineker noted of Gordon's defensive contribution. "If he goes for the best player, I think Rashford is unbelievably talented."

Yet Lineker suspects Tuchel will start Gordon regularly while using Rashford as an impact option from the bench, allowing both to accumulate meaningful minutes over the tournament. "I think they will both feature quite a bit," he reasoned.

When pressed on his personal preference, however, Lineker made his allegiance clear. "I have to go Rashford," he said. "If he is in form and confident—and he has been really, really good for Barcelona, he has not overplayed—I think Rashford and Gordon will feature quite a lot."

The upshot? Expect both wingers to play significant roles in England's bid for World Cup glory.