Gordon backs Tuchel on possession

England winger Anthony Gordon sided with Thomas Tuchel's view that controlling games through possession is not part of English football's DNA, ahead of Saturday's Nations League match against Spain.

“It's not in us.”

Argentina loss still stings

England lost a World Cup semi-final to Argentina in July after leading 1-0, with late goals ending their hopes of reaching the final. The defeat sparked intense scrutiny of Tuchel's tactical decisions.

Spain's possession mastery

Gordon, now at Barcelona, has gained insight into how Spanish players control games through superior decision-making and ball retention, something he believes England cannot replicate.

“It's much different than I've ever experienced in this country.”

Play to English strengths

Gordon argued England should stop trying to copy other nations and instead lean into their physical strengths, playing direct football and counterattacking rather than possession-based football.

Mexico game took its toll

Gordon said England's emotional last-16 win against Mexico drained the team, with Jordan Henderson fracturing his wrist in celebrations. Recovery took four days and left players exhausted for the Argentina semi-final.

“That Mexico game set us up a little bit.”

Gordon's substitution surprise

Gordon opened the scoring against Argentina but was surprised to be replaced by Ezri Konsa when Tuchel switched to a back five. He defended the decision as a normal tactical adjustment.

“I'd just scored.”

Players could have done more

Gordon defended Tuchel, saying England's training performances were better than their tournament displays. He argued the players should have taken more initiative to control the game against Argentina.

Barcelona teammates' verdict

Gordon's Barcelona teammates told him England would have given Spain a tougher game than Argentina did in the final, which Spain won one to nothing in extra time in New Jersey.