The England Spanish approach was questioned as winger Anthony Gordon asked his team to rely on their own abilities and not emulate Spain’s possession-based style. Thomas Tuchel is convinced that European champions Spain play a better game of ‘sustained possession’ football than the English and Gordon is in full agreement with him ahead of the Spaniards’ homecoming to Wembley on Saturday.
Tuchel had been criticised last July after England lost his country’s semi-final against Argentina in the World Cup, when he suggested that possession was not a part of England’s footballing ethos as it was in Spain.
Gordon, with experience playing in Spain, gave his support to that statement. The 25-year-old explained that it goes beyond individual tournaments or matches, to how football is developed on a cultural level in the two countries.
Gordon says Spanish players have the style of football drilled into them from as early as they are playing at any level, which can make it tricky to replicate that via tactical instruction at the senior level. The winger argued the side should focus on building on strengths that have been more effective in England’s style of football in the past, such as physicality, direct attacking and attacking against the ball.
His remarks are coming at an important time for England, who have a tough run of matches in the Nations League. Spain will head to Wembley on Saturday before Tuchel’s team head to the Czech Republic and Croatia. Then it will be the Czechs’ turn, as England will host them again.
The final two games of England’s group stage are to be in November, giving Tuchel plenty of chances to build a style he hopes the side will be able to follow. Gordon’s remarks also reflect a wider issue for England – what model of football should they play as, one of possession or one based on actual English football traits.
