Anthony Gordon says England should stop trying to replicate Spain's style

England forward Anthony Gordon has said that the national team should stop trying to replicate Spain's possession-based style of play, arguing that controlling games in that manner is not part of the "English DNA".

Gordon's comments suggest a belief that England's route to success at major tournaments lies in embracing a different style of play rather than attempting to mirror the approach that has brought Spain recent success on the international stage. Spain's national team has been widely admired in recent years for its possession-heavy, technically focused style of football, and has often been cited as a benchmark by pundits and coaches when discussing tactical approaches other nations might adopt.

Playing to English strengths

According to Gordon, England could still win major tournaments despite not adopting Spain's approach, suggesting instead that the team's success may be better built on qualities more traditionally associated with English football. The specific style or qualities Gordon believes England should lean into instead were not detailed in the available report.

The comments come amid an ongoing broader discussion within English football about the team's tactical identity under its current setup, following a period in which England has reached the latter stages of major tournaments without ultimately winning one.

Looking ahead

England's next opportunities to test different tactical approaches will come in upcoming international fixtures and future major tournaments. Gordon's remarks add to an ongoing debate among players, coaches and pundits about the best path forward for the national team.