Anthony Gordon: England Should Stop Trying To Be Spain

Anthony Gordon thinks England should stop trying to be Spain.

The winger said controlling games is not in the English "DNA" and that England should back their own strengths rather than copy other countries, according to BBC Sport.

His comments come before England face world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday. It is the first meeting between the sides since the World Cup in the summer.

Spain won that tournament by beating Argentina in the final. They held 65% possession, meaning they had the ball for almost two-thirds of the game. Argentina managed only two shots in 120 minutes, neither on target.

England know that style well. They lost 2-1 to Argentina in the semi-final after a late collapse. Gordon had put England ahead, then was taken off 17 minutes later as head coach Thomas Tuchel switched to a back five, a defensive shape using five defenders.

Enzo Fernandez equalised for Argentina. Lautaro Martinez then grabbed a stoppage-time winner.

Gordon said he was surprised to be substituted. He had started five of England's games at the tournament and finished with four assists.

England recovered to beat France 6-4 in the bronze-medal match. That third-place finish was their best at a World Cup since winning it in 1966.

What makes this stand out is the timing. England do not need a reminder of how Spain play. They are about to face them. Gordon's point is simple. Do not chase someone else's game.

For fans, this means a fascinating test. Spain want the ball. England, on Gordon's reading, want pace, power and direct running. Saturday will show how far that contrast still goes.

Gordon is now seeing Spanish football up close. He joined Barcelona from Newcastle for £69.3m in the summer.