From Sky Sports · Peter Smith · · 1m 40s
Gordon backs Tuchel on England's possession DNA
Anthony Gordon urges England to embrace physical strengths after Tuchel's World Cup comments
In brief
Anthony Gordon urges England to embrace physical strengths after Tuchel's World Cup comments England should focus on direct play and counter-attacks rather than adopting Spanish possession styles Originally reported by Sky Sports.
Tuchel's possession critique
Thomas Tuchel claimed England's players lack natural ball control like Spanish teams after World Cup loss
“I think ball possession plays a crucial role; it's maybe not in our DNA like it is in Spanish DNA”
Gordon's Spain experience
Anthony Gordon played in Spain's youth system but says English players have different decision-making styles
“I'm not sure how you've seen that. It's the way they're built”
England's physical strengths
Gordon argues England should focus on direct play and counter-attacks rather than possession
“We're English and we have our own strengths, which they don't have”
Mexico game impact
England's 10-man win over Mexico boosted confidence but shifted team mentality toward defensive play
“The red card made us show a different side of us”
Argentina semi-final
Gordon scored England's opener against Argentina but was subbed off after the goal
“I was surprised to be subbed off after scoring”
Tuchel's defensive shift
Tuchel adjusted tactics after England's defensive retreat against Argentina
“We didn't play the best football in the last 20 minutes”
Spain match preparation
Gordon believes England can beat Spain by playing to their strengths rather than copying Spanish tactics
“We can show them how good we are”
World Cup lessons
Gordon says England's World Cup experience will help them adjust tactics for Nations League opener
“The scar doesn't have to be negative”
Barcelona connection
Gordon played for Barcelona and knows Spanish football's decision-making differences
“I spoke with the guys at Barca about how they'd feel if England reached the final”
England's next challenge
England faces Spain in Nations League opener with opportunity to prove their strength
“If we can't be motivated to show what we can do at this level, we're never going to be”
Tuchel's squad choices
Tuchel left key England players out of World Cup squad despite their technical skills
“Tuchel made those comments despite leaving some of England's most technical players out”
Gordon's confidence
Gordon feels confident England could have beaten Spain in World Cup final
“I felt so confident playing Spain”
Nations League opener
England plays Spain in Nations League match on Saturday with 7:45pm kick-off
“We can show them how good we are”
In short
England should focus on direct play and counter-attacks rather than adopting Spanish possession styles
