Anthony Gordon: England Should Embrace Its Own Footballing Strengths

Anthony Gordon has offered an honest assessment of the differences between English and Spanish football, insisting England should focus more on its own strengths rather than trying to replicate Spain’s style.

The England international, who now plays his club football in Spain, said he has gained a different perspective on the way Spanish teams control matches through possession.

“We don't have that strength to control games like the Spanish do, it's not in us. I'm not sure it's something that can be taught.”

Gordon believes the way Spanish teams retain and circulate the ball is fundamentally different from what he experienced in England.

“Now that I play in Spain, I can speak with an educated view. The way they keep the ball is different, much different than I have ever experienced playing in this country.”

Rather than attempting to completely change England’s footballing identity, Gordon believes the national team could improve while still embracing qualities traditionally associated with English football.

He pointed to physicality, direct play and counter-attacking football as potential strengths England could build around.

“I'm not sure we can ever get that, but we can definitely get better or maybe go the other way and play to our strengths which is to play physical, direct football and counter-attack. There's no perfect way to win a football match"

Gordon also stressed that England should not become overly focused on copying other footballing nations.

“We can't keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them. We are not them, we are English. We have our strengths which they do not have. So maybe we start playing to what we are good at.”

His comments highlight the ongoing debate around England’s footballing identity and whether the national team should seek to replicate successful possession-based systems or develop a style built around its own traditional strengths.