'It's Not In Us': Anthony Gordon Says England Will Never Play Like Spain — And Shouldn't Try

Gordon backs Tuchel's post-World Cup claim that possession mastery isn't "in the DNA" of English players

Winger says England should play to their strengths: physical, direct, counter-attacking football

Comments come before Spain's visit to Wembley on Saturday for the Nations League opener

First meeting between the sides since England's World Cup semi-final exit

Anthony Gordon has told England to abandon any hope of matching Spain's mastery of possession, doubling down on Thomas Tuchel's controversial claim that ball-control dominance simply isn't "in the DNA" of English players.

The remark came after a 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, in which Tuchel's side conceded two late goals and missed out on a first final since 1966, and it triggered intense backlash over his tactics and the suggestion that England's limitations were somehow built into their footballing identity. (Goal.com) (Goal.com)

Gordon, who opened the scoring in that Argentina game before England's defensive plan unravelled, has now sided firmly with his manager — and he has a unique vantage point. The 25-year-old completed a £70m move to Barcelona this summer, immersing himself in exactly the style England have spent years trying to emulate. (Goal.com) (Goal.com)

"It's not in us," he said of England's ability to control matches the way Spain do, arguing a season in La Liga has only sharpened that view — and that no amount of coaching can close the gap. (OneFootball)

Rather than keep chasing it, Gordon wants Tuchel's side to fully commit to a different identity. England should, he suggested, "play physical, play direct football, and on the counter-attack." (Sky Sports)

The timing sharpens the debate. World champions Spain visit Wembley on Saturday for the Nations League opener — the first meeting between the sides since England's bronze-medal 6-4 win over France capped their best World Cup finish since 1966. (Inkl) (Yardbarker)

Whether conceding a technical gap before a ball is kicked counts as refreshing honesty or a dangerous lowering of ambition will be debated long after Saturday's final whistle. For now, Gordon's message to fans hoping for a slicker, more continental Three Lions is unambiguous: stop waiting for it.