From BBC Sport · · 2m
Gordon: England must stop copying Spain's style
Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon says England's best chance at winning tournaments is to play to their own strengths, not replicate Spanish possession football.
In brief
Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon says England's best chance at winning tournaments is to play to their own strengths, not replicate Spanish possession football. England should lean into what makes them different from Spain rather than trying to copy their possession-based approach. Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Gordon backs England's World Cup bronze
England reached their best World Cup finish since 1966 after losing to Argentina in the semi-final 2-1, then beating France 6-4 for bronze.
Tuchel's back five backfired against Argentina
Coach Thomas Tuchel switched to a defensive back five after Gordon scored, inviting pressure that led to Argentina's comeback and stoppage-time winner.
Gordon surprised by his substitution
The winger was taken off 17 minutes after scoring, saying he felt in an untouchable mode of confidence and was surprised by the decision.
“It makes me feel on top of the world, especially in that moment on that stage. I felt really good.”
Gordon moved to Barcelona this summer
The winger joined Barcelona from Newcastle for 69.3 million pounds, giving him firsthand experience of Spanish football and its different approach.
Spain's style isn't in English DNA
Gordon says England can't be taught to play like Spain because their possession-based approach is built into Spanish players' DNA, not something that can be learned.
“It's not in the English DNA. I'm not sure it's something that can be taught.”
England has different strengths than Spain
Gordon argues that England's players have qualities Spain lacks, so trying to make English players play like Spanish ones wastes their natural advantages.
“We have just as good players, but they have different qualities, so why are you trying to make those players the same as the Spanish players?”
Gordon defends Tuchel's decision-making
Gordon says players should take responsibility for not controlling the Argentina game, rather than blaming the manager for going defensive.
“We shouldn't try and blame one man who's obviously trying his best and trying to win the cup for us all.”
England faces Spain at Wembley Saturday
England will test their approach against world champions Spain in their first match since the World Cup, looking to find a response without copying their opponents.
Scar from defeat could drive future success
Gordon believes the pain of losing to Argentina might push England to take a different approach in future tournaments and finally win a major title.
“The scar doesn't have to be a negative one because it might lead us to victory in the next tournaments.”
The headline
England should lean into what makes them different from Spain rather than trying to copy their possession-based approach.
