Gordon dismisses Mexico boss' explicit heckle as 'bit of fun'

England forward Anthony Gordon has shrugged off a profane outburst from Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre during their World Cup last-16 match, calling it 'just a bit of fun' and a compliment. The incident occurred during a hydration break in the first half of England's 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium, with Aguirre shouting an explicit remark at Gordon before both laughed.

Gordon, who recently completed a summer move from Newcastle United to Barcelona, recalled the exchange in post-match comments. 'It's just a bit of fun. With all the heat and tension around the game, it was a bit of fun,' he said. 'I'd just run the full-back down the line so it was a bit of a compliment from him. That's how I took it anyway.' The moment quickly went viral on social media, adding a lighthearted note to a tense match.

Match drama

The game itself was a rollercoaster. Jude Bellingham scored twice to give England a 2-0 lead, but Mexico pulled one back through Julian Quinones. England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off, but Harry Kane restored the two-goal cushion with a penalty. Raul Jimenez converted a spot-kick for Mexico to make it 3-2, and England held on through a nervy finish to seal their quarter-final spot.

• Bellingham's double put England 2-0 up early.
• Quinones scored for Mexico before Quansah's red card.
• Kane's penalty made it 3-1 before Jimenez replied.
• England's defence survived late pressure to win 3-2.

Aguirre, who has managed Atletico Madrid, Mallorca, and Espanyol, left his post after the defeat and was replaced by former Mexico captain Rafael Marquez. England now prepare to face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 11 July at 22:00 BST.

What's next

Gordon added that he appreciated Aguirre's banter, saying the Mexico boss seemed like a good guy. The focus now shifts to the quarter-final clash with Norway, as England aim to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.