England keeper Chris Gordon set to face dad at World Cup

England powerchair goalkeeper Chris Gordon is heading into a World Cup match unlike almost any other: a meeting with Argentina, coached by his father, Colin Gordon. For Chris, it is more than a tournament fixture. It is a family storyline, a personal test, and a chance to turn a remarkable sporting bond into bragging rights.

A family tie set for the global stage

Chris Gordon, playing at his fourth Powerchair Football World Cup, says the relationship with his father has long blended football and family life. Colin Gordon, a former professional striker and later football agent, helped shape Chris’s sporting journey before taking charge of Argentina for this tournament in Buenos Aires.

That creates a rare headline moment for England’s camp. The son is guarding the net for the Three Lions, while the father is plotting against them from the opposite dugout.

“My dad and I have worked together at West Brom for a number of years and then he coached me for the England national team,” Chris said. “But he’s now coaching Argentina, so we’ll be facing each other in the World Cup.”

It is a matchup that brings an added layer of emotion to a competition already full of pressure. And for Chris, it is also a chance to enjoy the competitive edge that comes with family rivalry.

England’s confidence is building

England arrive in Argentina with real belief. They are considered one of the favourites for the title, alongside France and the USA, and there is a sense inside the squad that this could be the year they finally go all the way.

Chris is not hiding his confidence. “England will definitely come out on top [against Argentina], so bragging rights will be coming my way,” he said.

Head coach Adam McEvoy shares that optimism, although he knows the road will be demanding. “I’m really looking forward to this World Cup to showcase how we play, who we are, and our style of football,” McEvoy said. “But it’s going to be the toughest World Cup there has been so far.”

The tournament begins on Saturday and runs through to Friday 23 October, with all matches streamed live on YouTube. Ten teams from across the world will compete, including hosts Argentina, neighbours Uruguay, Australia and Japan.

What makes powerchair football special

Powerchair football, also known as power football or wheelchair football, is a four-a-side game designed for athletes with impairments such as muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy. It is played on a basketball court using adapted powerchairs fitted with front bumpers, allowing players to pass, shoot and dribble with precision.

The sport has grown steadily across the UK and beyond. England has two top domestic divisions, with hundreds of players also competing in regional leagues. Similar structures exist in Scotland and across the island of Ireland, while the game is also developing in Cardiff and Wrexham.

The competition blends tactical discipline with quick decision-making, and the equipment adds a unique rhythm to the sport. Every movement matters, especially on the international stage where margins are narrow and experience is priceless.

Fast facts about the World Cup

England’s mix of youth and experience

One of England’s strengths is the balance within the squad. Dan McLellan, just 17, is set for his second World Cup, while captain Jon Bolding is heading to his fifth. That combination of fresh energy and hard-earned experience gives the team a platform to challenge for the biggest prize in the sport.

Bolding, who has spent 25 years in powerchair football, reflected on how far the game has come. “Back in the day, we used to use our NHS wheelchair and just put car tyres round the front,” he said. “It’s not every 17-year-old that gets to two major tournaments, but I try to maintain my level and improve on it.”

McLellan, who has already stepped into leadership at club level, believes England are ready to push deep into the competition. “We believe in ourselves to get to that final. We’ve got enough to do it this time,” he said.

That belief is important, because this England side has been close before. Bolding pointed to the 2019 European title and the pain of the 2023 World Cup final, when England lost on penalties to France under Colin Gordon’s management. This time, the target is clear: go one better.

More than just a match

England’s opening clash with Argentina will carry its own competitive weight, but the Gordon family link makes it especially compelling. It is the sort of sporting storyline that cuts through the noise: a father coaching one side, a son starring for the other, both chasing the same dream.

For Chris, the stakes are simple. Win the game, keep the family pride intact, and perhaps hear about it for years to come. For Colin, there is the challenge of beating his own son on the world stage, a scenario that is as unusual as it is captivating.

As McLellan put it, England believe they have enough to go deep. Bolding says the squad wants to bring the trophy home. And if Chris Gordon can help deliver victory over Argentina, he might also deliver the most memorable family message of all.