Anthony Gordon has opened up about the biggest difference he has noticed since moving to Barcelona, and his comments about Spanish football have certainly caught attention. 👀🔥
The England international believes there is a major cultural difference in the way Spanish players control matches, particularly when it comes to possession, decision-making and managing the tempo of a game.
Speaking ahead of England’s meeting with Spain, Gordon said: “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.”
And Gordon isn’t making the observation from the outside.
The winger now trains alongside several Spanish stars at Barcelona, including Lamine Yamal and Pedri, giving him a much closer look at their footballing education and decision-making.
According to Gordon, English players are taught how to keep possession too, but he believes the difference comes when Spanish players have to make decisions under pressure.
He explained that he sometimes watches his Barcelona teammates make certain decisions on the ball and thinks: “I’m not sure how you’ve seen that.” 😳⚽
That experience has apparently changed his perspective.
Rather than suggesting England should simply copy Spain, Gordon believes England should develop its own identity and make better use of the qualities traditionally associated with English football.
💥 Physicality
⚡ Direct attacking
🏃♂️ Intensity
🎯 Counter-attacking football
Those are the areas Gordon believes England can lean into rather than trying to become a replica of Spain.
Interestingly, his comments come after England’s 2026 World Cup campaign, where the Three Lions lost 2-1 to Argentina in the semi-final after taking the lead through Gordon. The defeat prompted renewed discussion around England’s ability to control matches after going ahead.
Gordon also backed Thomas Tuchel’s view that England should recognise its own footballing identity rather than obsess over replicating another nation’s style.
🇬🇧 Gordon’s message is essentially: England can improve technically, but it doesn’t have to become Spain to be successful.
And now he gets the perfect opportunity to test that theory.
England vs Spain. Wembley. Two different footballing cultures. One huge stage. 🔥🏟️
Gordon knows both worlds now — and his words have certainly added another layer of intrigue to the showdown. 👀🇬🇧🇪🇸⚽
For England vs Spain
Compare Spain’s control with England’s strengths
Explain Gordon’s role at Barcelona
