Gordon Urges England To Stop Copying Spain Ahead Of World Champions Clash

Anthony Gordon has urged England to embrace their own style rather than attempt to replicate Spain’s possession-based approach as the Three Lions prepare to face the world champions on Saturday.

Gordon believes England can win major tournaments by playing to their own strengths instead of trying to imitate other leading football nations.

Speaking at St George’s Park ahead of England’s first match since the World Cup, the Barcelona winger said the team needed to establish an identity that reflected their own qualities.

England reached the World Cup semi-finals before losing 2–1 to Argentina, but recovered to beat France 6–4 in the third-place play-off and secure their best finish at the tournament since 1966.

However, the defeat by Argentina attracted criticism after England surrendered their lead late in the match.

Gordon had put England ahead, but head coach Thomas Tuchel later replaced the goalscorer and switched to a back five, a tactical change that allowed Argentina to increase the pressure.

Enzo Fernández equalised before Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in stoppage time.

Gordon admitted the defeat left a lasting impression but believes the experience could ultimately benefit England.

“I’ve never felt worse,” Gordon said.

“[The] scar doesn’t have to be a negative one because it might lead us to victory in the next tournaments.”

The former Newcastle United forward said England should stop comparing themselves with other nations and instead maximise the qualities that come naturally to the team.

“We can’t keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them, because we’re not them — we’re English and we have our own strengths which they don’t have, so maybe we start playing the way we’re good at.”

Gordon also acknowledged that controlling matches in the manner Spain have traditionally done is not necessarily part of England’s footballing identity.

He believes the Three Lions can still compete for major honours without attempting to reproduce Spain’s style.

England will face Spain on Saturday in a high-profile meeting between the two sides as they begin their post-World Cup campaigns.