Anthony Gordon has expressed support for Thomas Tuchel’s remarks regarding England’s difficulty in maintaining possession during matches, suggesting that controlling games through ball dominance is not deeply ingrained in English football culture. The winger, reflecting on England’s World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina in July, acknowledged his surprise at being substituted while the team led 1-0 but did not lay blame on Tuchel’s tactical decisions for the defeat.
England’s well-documented challenges in controlling possession under intense pressure were highlighted during the high-stakes semifinal, when Argentina staged a late comeback to secure victory with two goals in the closing minutes. The loss has continued to prompt debate over Tuchel’s approach since he took charge of the national team.
Speaking ahead of England’s Nations League fixture against Spain, Gordon emphasized that the squad’s struggles with game control are rooted in broader cultural tendencies rather than isolated incidents. The 25-year-old noted that unlike Spain, which is historically known for retaining the ball and dictating play, England lacks that aspect of football identity. Drawing from his experience playing in Spain, Gordon provided insight into the contrast between the two footballing cultures.
“Culturally it’s not just that tournament or that game where we couldn’t control a game,” Gordon remarked. “As a nation we don’t have that strength like the Spanish, where we control games like they do. It’s not in us. I’m not sure it’s something that can be taught.” He went on to suggest that England might benefit more from embracing its traditional style—characterized by physicality, direct play, and quick counterattacks—rather than trying to emulate possession-based approaches.
Tuchel himself has previously acknowledged the chaotic and fast-paced nature of English football and questioned whether his team could adopt a more controlled style of play. Gordon added that while English players receive similar training in ball retention as their Spanish counterparts, the critical difference lies in decision-making on the pitch. “We as English players are educated the same way as the Spanish players, we know how to keep possession, but it’s the decision-making of certain players in Spain,” he said. “I look at some of the decisions they take on the ball sometimes and think: ‘I’m not sure how you’ve seen that.’”
As England prepares to face Spain, the ongoing discourse surrounding the nation’s footballing identity and tactical philosophy remains a key focus for both players and management.