UK Winners and Losers: Who Impresses and
October 8, 2026 ·
England have recorded three wins in their last four matches, including a comprehensive 7-0 win over Croatia. Key players such as Anthony Gordon and Alex Scott emerged victorious, while Marcus Rashford and Cole Palmer face challenges to remain selected.
England's Winners and Losers: Who Impresses and
According to Skysports.
Background
Anthony Gordon, who is now 25 years old, has shown a significant improvement in his performance during this international camp by scoring three goals and one assist. Although he has not scored a goal for Barcelona this season, his contribution to the England national team shows that he can be a valuable asset in the squad, especially ahead of the important Nations League match.
Why this is important
England's wins in the last four matches, including a landslide 7-0 win over Croatia, show the potential of a strong squad under coach Thomas Tuchel. Anthony Gordon, in impressive form, has cemented his position on the left flank, which was previously a contentious area. This gives new hope for this season and adds depth to the England national team squad ahead of the upcoming competition.
Main Points
- England's Winners and Losers: Who Impresses and.
- England have recorded three wins in their last four matches, including a comprehensive 7-0 win over Croatia.
- England winners and losers: Who impressed and who is sweating over their Three Lions spot after four-game international .
The long international camp for the England national team has ended, but this could be an important moment for coach Thomas Tuchel in considering his squad. In four Nations League games, England started with a loss to Spain but finished with two wins against the Czech Republic and a resounding 7-0 win over Croatia. With so many injuries and changes to the squad, who is feeling more confident about their status in the England team and who is starting to feel threatened? Here are the winners and losers from the latest England squad.
Winner
Anthony Gordon
Looks like Anthony 'Barcelona' Gordon is real. So far, England's left wing position has always been a matter of debate with no one really controlling that position, even in the previous World Cup. Now, the debate seems to be over. This position belongs to Gordon as long as he remains fit and performs well. With three goals and one assist during this international camp, the 25-year-old is at the peak of his form. This form of play is all the more surprising considering he is yet to score a goal for Barcelona this season.
Alex Scott
It might be a little strange to say that this international camp was a success for someone who was injured for two months. However, Alex Scott has proven that he belongs at this level, especially when playing in the 7-0 win over Croatia, he showed a good understanding of his role. The partnership with Elliot Anderson is also evident, which is key considering they are both central pivots for the England U21 team who have just won the Euros. Scott's emergence gives Tuchel a real rotation option in that position.
James Trafford
Tuchel's first team selection after the World Cup presents one major talking point. For the first time in almost a decade, England played without Jordan Pickford between the sticks. Could the decision to start James Trafford in goal against Spain be a sign of a shift in power at the position? Trafford has started the games against Spain and the Czech Republic, but Pickford returned to the team in the last two games. Even though the No. 1 is not Trafford's, the fact that this role is now shared slightly is a huge advantage for the Leeds goalkeeper.
Lewis Hall
Do England finally have a reliable left-back? Part of England's improvement on the left flank was largely due to the form of Lewis Hall. After so many tournaments with reverse options and waiting for Luke Shaw to return to fitness, England now have a natural option in that side. The Newcastle defender deservedly got the assist for Kane's second goal against the Czech Republic at Wembley. England look evenly matched in this side again, and if Hall can stay fit, the coach has nothing to worry about.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
It turns out that Trent Alexander-Arnold can play at right-back for England. Two matches against the Czech Republic made many people speak positively about him again. Alexander-Arnold looks back to his best, showing his creativity, especially in Prague. He looked great playing behind Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers. Is this the moment Alexander-Arnold's international career turns around?
And no, we haven't forgotten Harry Kane. England coach Thomas Tuchel said he could not find more words of praise for Harry Kane, who is on course to equal Peter Shilton's all-time appearance record. While it hasn't been a standout camp for the England captain, it cannot be denied that Kane continues to score wins with his team. Now, he has scored 91 goals in 125 appearances for England. Having scored in nine of his last 14 games, shows that he has become an important part of the squad.
Loser
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo
Rashford and Mainoo were among the first players to withdraw from the England squad. Their withdrawal came less than 24 hours after playing in the 1-1 draw against Fulham. Is there a way back for these two? Their form at Manchester United is being highlighted, while other players are starting to show better performance. For Rashford, Gordon has now moved away from competition on the left wing.
Cole Palmer
Chelsea's Cole Palmer was also one of the players to withdraw from the England squad, citing load management reasons. However, this international camp proved that Palmer is no closer to breaking the mold of attacking midfielders that Tuchel has alongside Jude Bellingham and Rogers. Bellingham scored or created four of England's seven goals against Croatia, and he remains irreplaceable in this team.
Reece James
Reece James was originally England's first choice right-back. When he is fit, he always starts. However, with Alexander-Arnold's improved form, James now appears to be lower down the list of right-back options.
Why Tuchel is the winner and loser of this camp
This camp is sure to be tough for the England coach, who needs confidence back after his previous form. This is considered a 'lose-lose' for Tuchel. The eye-catching win will prompt questions as to why there was no similar performance in the World Cup semi-finals. A defeat would raise doubts about his credibility. Although there are still concerns about Tuchel, the 7-0 win over Croatia has given new momentum to England's era under Tuchel. Clarity in some positions is increasingly apparent, and consistency will be key ahead of Euro 2028. Are England back?
What happened next
With this brilliant performance, it is hoped that Anthony Gordon will continue to be the main choice on the left wing for the upcoming matches. The England squad will face a further challenge in the Nations League, and Gordon will need to maintain his fitness and form to ensure his place in the team. Meanwhile, coach Tuchel may consider a new strategy based on these positive results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the results of England's matches during this international camp?
England started with a loss to Spain, but finished with two wins against the Czech Republic and a resounding 7-0 win over Croatia.
How did Anthony Gordon perform during the international camp?
Anthony Gordon scored three goals and one assist, showing his peak performance.
What impact will this result have on the team's position in the Nations League table?
This result could influence player confidence and coach Thomas Tuchel's decision in considering the squad.
Which players are considered winners and losers in the England squad?
Winners include Anthony Gordon and Alex Scott, while some players may feel their positions are under threat.
When is the next match for the England national team?
This article does not include the next match schedule for the England national team.