# Czechia’s Santi Denia: 'Anthony Gordon? What a player!'

> Santi Denia, Spain’s former coach, praises England’s talent and dreams of World Cup success.
- Title: Czechia’s Santi Denia: 'Anthony Gordon? What a player!'
- Summary: Santi Denia, Spain’s former coach, praises England’s talent and dreams of World Cup success. Czechia’s coach Santi Denia lauds England’s footballing talent…
- Keywords: santi denia, anthony gordon, lamine yamal, england, czechia, nations league, euro 2028, spanish federation, football academy, world cup, thomas tuchel, sports
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/05/santi-denia-anthony-gordon-lamine-yamal-england-czechia
- Published: 2026-10-05T07:00:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: santi denia, anthony gordon, lamine yamal, england, czechia, nations league, euro 2028, spanish federation, football academy, world cup, thomas tuchel, sports
## Santi Denia’s background
Santi Denia worked for 15 years at the Spanish federation, coaching under-15s through under-23s.

> Santi Denia worked for 15 years at the Spanish federation
## Denia’s recent match
After a 2-0 loss to England in Prague, Denia shook Thomas Tuchel’s hand and said, 'See you soon.'

> See you soon
## Denia’s England connection
Denia coached England’s under-17s in 2017 and saw them win the European Championship on penalties.

> England are very, very good; they’re no distance from a World Cup final
## Denia’s praise for Anthony Gordon
Denia called Anthony Gordon 'what a player!' and said he’s at the same level as Lamine Yamal.

> Gordon? What a player! He’s at the same level as Lamine Yamal
## Denia’s view on English football
Denia believes England’s FA invested in youth development and has produced world-class players.

> You win an under-17 euros, an under-17 World Cup in India, an under-21 Euros because you have believed in investing in youth
## Denia’s World Cup experience
Denia saw Ferran Torres score in Spain’s World Cup final and felt a deja vu from his under-19s Euros days.

> When Ferran scores in the final you get a deja vu
## Denia’s coaching philosophy
Denia emphasizes teaching players and emotional development over just winning matches.

> You’re not a coach, you’re a teacher
## Denia’s future plans
Denia aims to qualify for Euro 2028 and wants to develop Czechia’s football pathway.

> The immediate objective set is qualification for the Euros
## Denia’s England dream
Denia dreams of playing in England and facing England again in a World Cup final.

> I’d be delighted to play there again. And imagine another final with England!
## Denia’s Czechia connection
Denia worked with Czechia’s federation president David Trunda and general manager Pavel Nedved.

> We met there and again in Prague, with Nedved
## Denia’s language skills
Denia speaks English with his assistant Pablo Amo and uses Czech for key terms.

> We talk to them in English
## Denia’s next challenge
Denia faces England in the Nations League and aims to qualify for Euro 2028.

> England again
## Denia’s coaching legacy
Denia believes his players will become world-class with proper development and support.

> You have to teach. There’s a psychological, paternal element
## Denia’s final thoughts
Denia dreams of World Cup success and aims to build Czechia’s football pathway for future generations.

> I’m dreaming here, aiming high, but why not?
## Key takeaway

Czechia’s coach Santi Denia lauds England’s footballing talent and aims for Euro 2028 qualification after a recent Nations League loss.