Anthony Gordon defends Thomas Tuchel: 'England DNA' cannot replicate Spanish style

Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon has publicly defended England manager Thomas Tuchel following the backlash over his tactics and comments regarding the team's identity. After England's World Cup semi-final exit against Argentina, Tuchel faced heavy criticism for his late-game approach and his assertion that control-heavy possession football is not in the nation's "DNA".

Gordon, who joined Barcelona this summer in a £70m deal, believes Tuchel’s assessment was accurate. Having played alongside members of Spain's World Cup-winning squad, the 25-year-old feels he has a unique perspective on the fundamental differences between the two football cultures. "England 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," Gordon stated.

The winger explained that while English players are capable of keeping possession, they lack the innate, natural decision-making seen in Spanish football. "We know how to keep possession, but it's the decision-making of certain players in Spain which just isn’t a natural thing," he added. Gordon believes that instead of trying to replicate an alien tactical system, England should lean into their own physical and athletic strengths.

Gordon suggested that shifting towards a more direct and energetic style would better suit the players and resonate with the English public, who often prefer high-intensity matches over slow build-up play.

Playing against Premier League sides who try and play ultra football, tiki-taka football, I always feel like the fans don't appreciate it as much. I feel like English fans want to see the English game. When a team's losing, they don't want to see the team playing out from the back, they want to see a big striker winning headers and a bit of chaos. Anthony Gordon