Anthony Gordon believes England have enough quality to win major tournaments without trying to replicate Spains possession-based approach. The Barcelona winger was speaking at St Georges Park ahead of Englands meeting with the world champions at Wembley on Saturday, their first match since the World Cup.[The] scar doesnt have to be a negative one because it might lead us to victory in the next tournaments, Gordon said.We cant keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them, because were not them were English and we have our own strengths which they dont have, so maybe we start playing the way were good at.Gordon sees Spain differently after Barcelona moveGordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle for �69.3m during the summer and believes playing in La Liga has changed his understanding of Spanish football.The 25-year-old has spent the early part of his Barcelona career training and playing alongside some of Spains leading players, giving him a closer look at the technical and tactical qualities behind their possession game.Im speaking from a point of view where I feel like we are trying to replicate Spain, Gordon said.Because Im in Spain, I know we have just as good players, but they have different qualities, so why are you trying to make those players the same as the Spanish players? Because the Spanish players lack the things that we have and vice versa.England have lost two successive European Championship finals and were eliminated by France and Argentina at the last two World Cups.Gordon says controlling games is not in Englands DNASpain dominated possession in their World Cup final win over Argentina, having 65% of the ball and restricting Lionel Messis side to just two shots during 120 minutes. Neither attempt was on target.Gordon has experienced that style first-hand since moving to Barcelona and says the way Spanish players control games is rooted in qualities that are difficult to teach.Its not in the English DNA, Gordon said.Im not sure its something that can be taught because now I think, playing in Spain, I can speak with an educated view on the way they keep the ball is different.I even look at some of the decisions they take on the ball sometimes and think Im not sure how youve seen that.Its the way theyre built. I dont know whether it is something that maybe we cant ever put a name to, but theyre definitely built different. Topics Anthony Gordon England National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Harry Kane: England captain reiterates aims to become NFL kicker post-football career and weighs up MLS move Cian Cheesbrough 23rd September, 2026 Paul Gascoigne slams muted England celebrations at World Cup and says they drive me nuts Mitch Fretton 23rd September, 2026 England squad announcement: Full list for Nations League 2026 Ben Miller 22nd September, 2026 England face the world champions as Klopp, Xavi and Zidane make bows: Five Nations League games to look out for Cian Cheesbrough 21st September, 2026 Five England players to watch during the international break Cian Cheesbrough 21st September, 2026 England: Rice, Rashford, Mainoo and Livramento join Palmer in withdrawing from Nations League squad Nicholas McGee 21st September, 2026
