Key Takeaways:
- On Saturday, England will face world champions Spain in their first encounter since the World Cup.
- England secured a 6-4 victory over France to claim third place, following a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina
- Anthony Gordon highlighted England’s unique strengths and called for a departure from attempts to mimic Spain’s possession-based style
England’s World Cup Reflections and Tactical Identity
Anthony Gordon, who has earned 25 England caps and scored four goals, has spoken candidly about the team’s recent experiences and their footballing identity. Preparing for a significant clash with world champions Spain on Saturday, the Barcelona winger questioned England’s pursuit of a possession-oriented style akin to Spain’s. He remarked that controlling matches is not inherent to English football, suggesting the squad would be better off by capitalising on their own distinctive qualities instead of emulating their Spanish counterparts.
England achieved their best World Cup finish since 1966 last tournament, ultimately beating France 6-4 to secure third place after a narrow 2-1 loss to Argentina in the semi-finals. The coach’s tactical shift to a defensive formation following Gordon’s opener against Argentina was widely scrutinised. Enzo Fernandez found the equaliser before Lautaro Martinez netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner, leaving a lasting mark on the England squad.
Anthony Gordon: England can’t control games like Spain. It’s not in us
Barcelona winger, speaking before facing world champions in Nations League, says England must ‘stop looking elsewhere and appreciate what we are: physical and direct’@Kit_Shepard reports⬇️…
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) September 24, 2026
Gordon’s Insights from La Liga and Spanish Contrasts
Having made a £69.3m move to Barcelona from Newcastle in the summer, Gordon has gained unique insight into Spanish football. He explained that playing in La Liga has underscored the differences between English and Spanish approaches to the game. Gordon asserted that while England possesses players of equal quality, their attributes set them apart, and the squad should avoid trying to assimilate Spanish methods, as English DNA is not built for such possession-centric tactics.
“I’m speaking from a point of view where I feel like we are trying to replicate Spain,” Gordon said.
Gordon further commented that Spain play a game founded on intricate ball retention and decision-making, referencing the Spanish dominance in their World Cup final triumph over Argentina, where they held 65% possession and restricted Lionel Messi’s side to only two shots in 120 minutes, neither on target. He concluded that the innate qualities instilled in Spanish footballers are not necessarily transferable to England’s players.
Assessing World Cup Performance and Managerial Decisions
The 25-year-old’s performances throughout the World Cup, with five starts and four assists, drew acclaim. Gordon’s goal in the semi-final fuelled England fans’ aspirations, though his subsequent substitution, just 17 minutes after scoring, came as a surprise to him. He stated that scoring usually propels him into a heightened state of confidence but acknowledged that, as a winger, substitutions are often part of the role, despite the uniqueness of that particular moment.
Reflecting on England’s path to the semi-finals, Gordon credited the squad’s resilience in their 3-2 triumph over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, a fixture in which they played with 10 men for more than 35 minutes after Jarell Quansah’s sending off. He suggested that such experiences shaped the mentality when England later faced Argentina, though he felt the team did not replicate their strong performances from training sessions during the match itself. Gordon defended head coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactical moves, stressing collective responsibility and the need for players to assert themselves during critical moments, rather than shifting blame solely onto the manager.
Looking Ahead: England Prepared for Spain’s Distinct Style
England’s upcoming fixture against Spain at Wembley will provide another stern examination of their tactical approach. As the debate continues over the most effective style for success on the biggest stage, Gordon’s call for England to embrace their native characteristics and resist becoming a replica of Spain will be in sharp focus. With experience gained both domestically and abroad, the forward believes this shift in mindset could be pivotal for future tournaments.
