Anthony Gordon backs Thomas Tuchel’s call for England to embrace direct style
Anthony Gordon has backed Thomas Tuchel’s claim that possession control is not a natural strength of England’s team, arguing the Three Lions should embrace a more direct, athletic identity.
What we know
- Gordon, 25, scored England’s opening goal in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
- England then allowed two late goals and were eliminated, extending their wait for a first World Cup final since 1966.
- Tuchel faced heavy criticism after the defeat over his cautious approach late in the match and his remarks about England’s football culture.
- Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle in a £70m summer deal and now trains alongside eight members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad.
- The winger said Spanish players possess a different instinct in possession, particularly in their vision and choices on the ball.
- He believes England have players of comparable quality but should not attempt to copy Spain’s style.
England’s next step is to define their own style
Gordon said the Argentina setback was not an isolated problem. In his view, England do not control matches in the same way Spain can, and that gap may not be solved simply through coaching.
“It is cultural, not just about that tournament or that one game,” Gordon said. “Spanish players keep the ball differently. We understand possession, but some of their decisions are not instinctive for us. You watch them and wonder how they even spotted the pass.”
He urged Tuchel to build around England’s physical assets rather than impose a possession-heavy system designed for another football culture.
“We have players just as good, but with different qualities,” Gordon said. “Spain also do not have everything we have. England need to be proud of its own game instead of trying to become somebody else.”
Gordon also argued that supporters want intensity and forward play. He said English crowds are less receptive to teams playing patiently from the back when they are behind, and respond more to direct football, aerial strength and disorder in the final stages.
The immediate task for Tuchel is to turn that belief into a clear England blueprint: more pace, power and vertical attacking, while avoiding an attempt to recreate Spain’s possession model.
