England winger Anthony Gordon declared that the national team can claim major trophies without copying Spain’s possession-based approach. He made the comments on Thursday as the Three Lions prepared to face the world champions at Wembley on Saturday.
Gordon, who moved from Newcastle United to Barcelona before the recent World Cup, spoke from personal experience. England reached the semi-finals under manager Thomas Tuchel before losing 2-1 to Argentina. Gordon scored the opening goal in that match. The side later defeated France to finish third.
Gordon told reporters that controlling matches in the Spanish manner does not form part of England’s identity. “It’s not in the English DNA,” he said. “I’m not sure it’s something that can be taught because now I think, playing in Spain, I can speak with an educated view on the way they keep the ball is different.”
He added that English players possess different strengths. “We can’t keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them, because we’re not them. We’re English and we have our own strengths which they don’t have, so maybe we will start playing the way we’re good at.”
Gordon suggested England should emphasise physicality, direct play and counter-attacks. He noted that Spanish players also lack certain qualities found in English football.
“Because I’m in Spain, I know we have just as good players, but they have different qualities, so why are you trying to make those players the same as the Spanish players? Because the Spanish players lack the things that we have and vice versa.”
He stressed he was not dictating tactics. “I don’t want to speak because I’m not the manager, so I’m not going to control the tactics or how we play, but I think we need to stop looking elsewhere as a country, and maybe be proud of who we are.”
Gordon also reflected on the World Cup semi-final exit. He said the experience need not remain a negative scar and could instead guide future success. England will now test that view against Spain this weekend.
