Gordon Backs Tuchel's England DNA Claim

Anthony Gordon agrees England lack Spain's possession DNA and urges the team to embrace physical, direct football.

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What happened. Anthony Gordon backed Thomas Tuchel's view that England players lack an inbuilt ability to control matches with possession. He urged the team to embrace traditional strengths like physical, direct football and counter-attacking.

• Tuchel said ball control is not in England's DNA after World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.
• Gordon, who plays for Barcelona, agreed Spain's possession style is different from anything he's experienced.
• Gordon believes England can improve but may need to play to their own strengths.

“England, as a nation, we don't have that strength, like the Spanish, where we control games like they do. It's not in us.”

— Anthony Gordon

England face Spain in their Nations League opener on Saturday, where Gordon's comments will be tested.

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