Gordon supports Tuchel's view that England lacks possession control

Anthony Gordon has endorsed Thomas Tuchel's assertion that England's players struggle with controlling matches through possession. Tuchel faced criticism for England's defensive strategy during the World Cup semi-finals, particularly after Gordon's goal against Argentina, which allowed their opponents to regain control and ultimately win the match. Tuchel remarked on the 'DNA' of English players, suggesting it differs from that of teams like Spain and Argentina when it comes to ball control.

Despite Tuchel's comments, which came while he excluded several technically skilled players from his World Cup squad, Gordon supports the notion that England lacks the same possession-based strengths as other nations. He acknowledged that the English style of play does not naturally lend itself to maintaining control of the game, saying, "it's not in us."

Gordon, currently playing for Barcelona, reflected on the differences in playing styles between England and Spain. He noted that while English players are educated in ball possession, the decision-making skills of Spanish players set them apart. He emphasised the need for England to leverage their own strengths, such as physicality and direct play, rather than attempting to emulate other footballing cultures.

Looking back at England's World Cup experience, Gordon pointed to the impact of their 10-man victory over Mexico, which he described as a pivotal moment. He suggested that this match influenced England's mentality in subsequent games, leading them to adopt a more defensive approach. Despite this, he remains confident in the talent within the England squad and believes they could have performed well against Spain in the final.

As England prepares to face Spain in their Nations League opener, Gordon expressed the importance of motivation and showcasing their capabilities. He acknowledged Spain's quality but is eager for England to demonstrate their own strengths on the pitch. Gordon stated that a strong performance against Spain would be a significant opportunity for the team to prove themselves, even if it is not the World Cup final.

via Sky Sports