Gordon spotted singing ‘God Save the Queen’ before England’s Mexico win

Anthony Gordon has been caught up in a light-hearted social media storm after England fans spotted him apparently singing the outdated version of the national anthem before Monday’s dramatic 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

Cameras panning across the England line-up during the pre-match rendition of God Save the King showed the Newcastle-turned-Barcelona winger appearing to mouth the words “God Save the Queen” instead, more than three years after the anthem was updated following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

Gordon, recalled to the starting eleven having been left out for the DR Congo fixture, went on to have a big influence on the match, playing the full ninety minutes and winning the penalty that Harry Kane duly converted.

Fans react on social media

The clip of Gordon’s apparent slip quickly did the rounds online. One user on X wrote: “Anthony Gordon fully committed during the national anthem for the huge England vs Mexico clash… still singing ‘God Save the QUEEN’ in 2026! We’ve got a King now, lad.”

Another supporter admitted they had spotted the same thing, posting: “I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one to spot that.” A third was more forgiving, writing: “Can’t blame him, she was around for so long even I sometimes forget we have a king now.”

The mix-up came amid a night to remember for England, who booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals against Norway, with kick-off set for Saturday at 10pm UK time.

Bellingham hails career-best night

Jude Bellingham scored twice in Mexico City and described the victory as the finest of his international career. “I’ve never been more proud of a group of lads, a squad, a nation. It was a country’s performance,” the Real Madrid midfielder said.

“All we’ve talked about this week is how difficult it’s going to be in an unbelievable atmosphere against a very good team. To get this win is the best night of my England career so far, for sure,” he added.

Bellingham also reflected on growing up as an England supporter, saying: “I’ve been an England fan since I was 7 years old. I remember the 2010 World Cup was my first one and obviously in recent times we’ve had better moments, but I remember watching a few tournaments and some of the players are now on TV talking a lot and they struggled in these kinds of nights.”

“It was tough because it didn’t feel like we really got behind them because there wasn’t much reason to, and to be part of an England team that gives so much to the country that can give them these moments and nights like this, it means as much as anything in my career and in my life, really,” he continued.

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