# Gordon backs Tuchel on England's possession DNA

> Anthony Gordon urges England to embrace physical strengths after Tuchel's World Cup comments
- Title: Gordon backs Tuchel on England's possession DNA · Sky Sports
- Summary: Anthony Gordon urges England to embrace physical strengths after Tuchel's World Cup comments England should focus on direct play and counter-attacks rather…
- Keywords: anthony gordon, thomas tuchel, england, spanish football, possession, world cup, nations league, barcelona, harry kane, lamine yamal, ballon d'or, england dna
- Source: Sky Sports — https://skysports.com/football/news/12040/13591079/england-vs-spain-anthony-gordon-backs-thomas-tuchels-dna-comments-about-possession-and-calls-on-three-lions-to-focus-on-their-strengths
- Author: Peter Smith
- Published: 2026-09-24T06:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: anthony gordon, thomas tuchel, england, spanish football, possession, world cup, nations league, barcelona, harry kane, lamine yamal, ballon d'or, england dna
## 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
## Key takeaway

England should focus on direct play and counter-attacks rather than adopting Spanish possession styles