England is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against world champions Spain, but Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon believes the Three Lions are suffering from a tactical identity crisis. According to the 25-year-old, England’s obsession with copying Spain's possession-heavy style is exactly what is holding them back from major tournament glory.
The Spain Trap
Since his £69.3m summer move from Newcastle to Barcelona, Gordon has gained first-hand experience of La Liga’s intricate, possession-based football. His verdict? English football needs to stop trying to replicate it.
"We can't keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them, because we're not them," Gordon revealed at St George’s Park. "We're English and we have our own strengths which they don't have."
Gordon argues that the ability to obsessively dictate tempo is deeply rooted in Spanish football culture—they are simply "built different." Instead of forcing English players into a possession mold that does not suit them, he believes England must weaponize their own direct, athletic qualities.
The World Cup "Scar"
The debate over England’s style of play resurfaced after their painful World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina. While England went on to secure a bronze medal by beating France 6-4—marking their best World Cup finish since 1966—the tactical capitulation against Argentina still stings.
Head coach Thomas Tuchel faced heavy criticism for substituting Gordon (who had put England ahead) and switching to a defensive back five. The tactical retreat invited pressure, leading to a stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martinez.
"I've never felt worse," Gordon admitted regarding the defeat, but he was quick to defend his manager. Rather than blaming Tuchel, Gordon insists the players must take responsibility for failing to control the game on the pitch.
Embracing English DNA
England’s history of falling just short—including back-to-back European Championship final losses—has always raised questions about their ability to keep the ball against elite opposition. Spain demonstrated this exact mastery in their own World Cup final run, suffocating opponents with high possession rates.
But as Wembley prepares to host the rematch, Gordon believes the path to victory isn't copying the Spanish blueprint. Instead, England must trust their own identity, play to their high-tempo strengths, and use the "scar" of past defeats as fuel to finally secure silverware.
