Gordon backs Tuchel’s “DNA” message: England should trust its strengths

Anthony Gordon has backed Thomas Tuchel after the England boss sparked debate with comments about the team’s “DNA”. Tuchel argued that control through possession is not part of England players’ natural make-up in the way he associates with Spain or certain South American styles.

Gordon’s support comes ahead of England’s Nations League opener against Spain, where the winger is urging the squad to lean into what he calls the country’s traditional strengths rather than trying to impose a possession-first identity.

The possession debate

The controversy around Tuchel followed England’s World Cup run. Tuchel faced criticism for a defensive, deeper approach after Gordon scored to put England ahead against Argentina in the semi-finals. In the later stages, Sky Sports notes that Argentina managed to turn the match.

Tuchel responded by pushing back on the idea that England should mimic teams built for sustained ball control. He said: “I think ball possession plays a crucial role… it’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in Spanish DNA or in Argentinian-Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with the ball.”

Nations League vs Spain

Sky Sports also highlights that Tuchel made those remarks while leaving some of England’s most technically gifted players out of his World Cup squad, including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and he did not use midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

With Spain next, Gordon’s message is essentially to move forward: embrace England’s strengths and compete on their terms. As Sky Sports reports, he agrees with Tuchel’s framing and wants England to focus on their own style as Nations League begins.