World Cup 2026: Anthony Gordon says Javier Aguirre swearing jibe 'just a bit of fun'

Javier Aguirre has been replaced by Rafael Marquez as Mexico boss following the defeat by England

England winger Anthony Gordon says being sworn at by Mexico boss Javier Aguirre in a viral moment of their World Cup match was "just a bit of fun" and a "compliment".

During a first-half hydration break, Aguirre first spoke to midfielder Jude Bellingham before calling out to Gordon when they were both close to the touchline during England's dramatic 3-2 win in the last 16 at the Azteca Stadium.

The 67-year-old then shouted an explicit remark to the forward before both of them laughed.

"I remembered it," said Gordon, who moved from Newcastle United to Barcelona this summer. "It's just a bit of fun.

"With all the heat and tension around the game, it was a bit of fun.

"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."

It was one of several funny moments from the match widely shared on social media including Harry Kane's post-match interview after losing his voice and England defender John Stones pretending he was injured.

Bellingham scored twice to put England 2-0 up before Julian Quinones pulled a goal back for the World Cup co-hosts.

Jarell Quansah was red-carded for England, who restored their two-goal advantage through a Kane penalty.

Raul Jimenez put away a Mexico spot-kick to make it 3-2 before England held on during a tense finale to secure a quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, 11 July (22:00 BST).

Aguirre, who has previously led Atletico Madrid, Mallorca and Espanyol over a 31-year managerial career, has since left his post and been replaced by Rafael Marquez.

"He seemed like a good guy, he was talking to me and Jude throughout the game," Gordon added.

"There was a lot of tension in the game so to speak to me and Jude, I quite liked it."

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