England goalkeeper Chris Gordon is set to face his father, Colin, at the Powerchair Football World Cup in Buenos Aires. Colin, a former professional striker who played for Birmingham City, Fulham and Leicester City, is now coaching hosts Argentina. The pair have worked together before, with Colin having coached Chris for the England national team. Colin led England to the final at the last World Cup in 2023, where they lost on penalties to France. This time, Chris says England will come out on top, adding: "bragging rights will be coming my way."
Powerchair football is a four-a-side sport for players with impairments including muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy. It is played on a basketball court with a bigger football, using powerchairs fitted with front bumpers to shoot, pass and dribble. Over the next week, 10 teams will compete, from hosts Argentina and neighbours Uruguay to Australia and Japan. The tournament begins on Saturday, with the final on Friday 23 October, and all matches will be streamed live on YouTube.
England are among the favourites alongside France and the USA. The squad combines youth and experience. Dan Mc Lellan, 17, is preparing for his second World Cup, while captain Jon Bolding is heading to his fifth. Bolding, who has played for 25 years, said it would mean so much to bring the trophy home, noting England won the Euros in 2019 and this is the only major title they are missing.
Head coach Adam Mc Evoy is hopeful the side can go one better than three years ago, with the squad confident of reaching the final.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing