Anthony Gordon expressed surprise at being substituted by England manager Thomas Tuchel shortly after scoring in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Gordon opened the scoring for England but was the first player taken off by Tuchel, making way for defender Ezri Konsa with over 20 minutes remaining in the match. The substitution came amid criticism of Tuchel’s tactical approach, which some viewed as overly defensive during a crucial phase of the tournament.

In a recent team meeting at St George’s Park ahead of their Nations League fixtures, including an upcoming match against Spain, Gordon reflected on the substitution and the broader emotional impact of the World Cup campaign. “I was surprised, being totally honest, because I’d just scored,” Gordon said. “I’m the type of player that thrives on adrenaline. When I score, I usually feel untouchable and full of confidence, especially on a big stage.”

The forward described the World Cup experience as the most memorable period of his football career, noting a stark contrast in emotions between scoring the goal and the subsequent disappointment of England falling short. “I’ve never felt better than when I scored that goal against Argentina and also never felt worse than twenty minutes later,” he said.

The England squad conducted a comprehensive debrief following their elimination to process the loss and prepare for upcoming fixtures. Gordon emphasized the importance of honest reflection within the group, calling the meeting “quite a positive” session despite the setback. “It was important to get that out the way and move forwards,” he added.

Tuchel reportedly used the meeting to acknowledge the players’ efforts over the summer. Gordon recalled the coach offering thanks for their work throughout the tournament despite the disappointment of the semi-final defeat. He further noted that significant losses leave lasting impressions but can also lead to personal growth. “Any time you lose anything of value in life, you’ll never be the same person. It leaves a scar, but that scar doesn’t always have to be negative. You can be a better person for it.”

England now turns their attention to the Nations League, starting with their match against Spain, as they seek to build on the experiences of their recent campaign.