England forward Anthony Gordon has backed manager Thomas Tuchel's assertion that English players struggle to control matches through possession, urging the team to embrace traditional strengths.

Anthony Gordon has publicly supported Thomas Tuchel’s recent comments regarding the "DNA" of English players and their perceived inability to control games through ball possession. Tuchel faced criticism for a defensive approach during England's World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, where the team retreated after taking the lead. Gordon, speaking ahead of a Nations League match against Spain, agreed that England lacks the natural ball-control tendencies seen in Spanish, Argentinian, or Brazilian football.

Embracing Traditional Strengths

Gordon suggested that rather than attempting to replicate the technical style of other nations, England should focus on its own inherent strengths, such as physical, direct football and counter-attacking. He noted that while English players are educated in possession, the decision-making processes seen in Spanish football feel distinct and not easily taught. Reflecting on the World Cup, Gordon explained that the team's defensive shift was influenced by a previous 10-man victory over Mexico, which established a fighting mentality that persisted into later rounds. He argued that the players themselves share responsibility for not taking the initiative to control games, which led to the manager's decision to adopt a more cautious approach.

Looking Toward Future Tournaments

Despite the semi-final exit, Gordon expressed confidence in the squad's quality, stating he believed they would have been victorious had they reached the final against Spain. He views the disappointment as a potential learning experience that could lead to future success. Gordon, who currently plays club football for Barcelona in Spain, emphasized that the upcoming Nations League match against Spain provides an opportunity for England to demonstrate its level against the world champions. He noted that his club teammates viewed England as a highly competitive side during the tournament.