Anthony Gordon backs Thomas Tuchel’s claim that possession control isn’t in England’s DNA

What happened

Why it matters

Tuchel's original comment followed England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, a match in which England led but ultimately lost after a late turnaround. Tuchel suggested English players are less naturally inclined to hold the ball and control matches in the way Spanish or South American teams do. Those remarks drew criticism because Tuchel also left several highly technical English players out of the World Cup squad and scarcely used some others.

Gordon's endorsement adds an inside voice to the debate: he has experience in Spain's football environment and came through England's technical youth set-up at St George's Park. His view shifts part of the responsibility onto players while offering two clear routes forward for England's style.

Gordon's main points

• He said England "don't have that strength" to control games like Spain and that this may not be something that can be taught fully.

• He suggested two options: keep working to improve possession and technical control, or focus on England's traditional strengths — physicality, direct play and counter-attacking.
• Gordon defended Tuchel's tactical choices in the World Cup semi-final, arguing that players didn't replicate training performances in matches and that the manager's decision to become more defensive made sense in context.

• He described the World Cup defeat as a learning experience that could prompt England to act differently the next time they find themselves in a similar position.

The original debate over "England DNA" intensified because Tuchel left out players widely considered technically gifted for the tournament, including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and used Kobbie Mainoo sparingly. That background explains why Tuchel's suggestion that possession control is not in English players' nature prompted strong reactions.

What to watch next

• Nations League.
• Whether the FA and coaching staff pursue further technical development at St George's Park or more explicitly decide to prioritise England's physical, direct strengths.
• Team responses in matches when England must either hold the ball or rely on counter-attacks to win big games.

Bottom line