Gordon: England must stop trying to be Spain

Anthony Gordon says controlling games isn't in England's DNA and the Three Lions should embrace their own strengths instead of copying Spain.

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What happened. Anthony Gordon said that controlling games is not in the English "DNA" but England could still win major tournaments if they stop "trying to replicate Spain". He was speaking at St George's Park as the squad prepare to face Spain on Saturday.

• Gordon believes the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina can be a positive 'scar'.
• He criticised the tactical shift to a back five that invited pressure against Argentina.
• England achieved their best World Cup finish since 1966, beating France 6-4 for bronze.

“We can't keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them, because we're not them - we're English and we have our own strengths which they don't have, so maybe we start playing the way we're good at.”

— Anthony Gordon

England face Spain on Saturday in their first match since the World Cup, with Gordon's comments adding to the debate over the team's style.

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