On Wednesday, Gordon attended England's pre-match press conference ahead of their match against Spain. In the fifth part of the pre-match press conference (due to its length, we divided it into five parts), he addressed the differences between English and Spanish football styles.

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Tuchel said the other day, "Maybe England should adopt a chaotic, confrontational style of football." You just spoke about the difference between the English style and Spain's possession-based game. In their youth development, English academies tried to replicate the Spanish style. Is it time to reconsider and return to traditional English football as a means to win?

That's what I was saying earlier—the time may have come. But it's not for me to make a definitive judgment. From my current perspective playing in Spain, we have indeed imitated Spain. We have equally good players, but with different characteristics. Why should English players be transformed into Spanish players?

Spanish players don't possess the qualities we have, and vice versa. I don't want to comment too much on the head coach; tactical approaches aren't decided by me. But as a national team, we should stop constantly looking outward and recognize our own characteristics, rather than constantly comparing ourselves with other successful nations. We are English, not Spanish or French.

Tuchel said the other day that after the World Cup, 99.9% of English fans he met didn't want to talk about the second half of the Argentina match and didn't want to discuss tactics and substitutions. After returning to England and talking with fans, have you felt something similar?

I agree with the head coach. It's interesting that more people have spoken to me about the France match than the Argentina match. Of course, many have also mentioned Argentina, but the France match was extremely entertaining. From a fan's perspective, perhaps people don't want to relive the Argentina defeat repeatedly, so more people bring up the France match instead.

You just mentioned Spain's strong ball-possession ability. England's style of play is different. Do you think Premier League fans can accept this possession-based style?

Honestly, I'm not sure. I've seen many Premier League teams attempt excessive passing and movement, and I get the impression that fans don't embrace it. English fans want to see English football, which is natural—just as Spanish fans love passing and movement. We should appreciate our own characteristics instead of constantly seeking so-called "correct models."

English players and Spanish players have completely different characteristics. We should stop seeking comparisons elsewhere and cherish what we have. I think English fans prefer open, physical, simple, and direct football. When the team is trailing, fans don't like slow backward passes; they want to see great strikers contesting headers and intense physical play. That's traditional English football. So perhaps we should make full use of these characteristics.

Now that you're starting a new cycle with the Nations League, the Euros, and the World Cup—whether at Barcelona or with the England team—what objectives do you hope to achieve next?

Winning. The main objective is always to win every upcoming match, whether it's the Nations League, the Euros, the World Cup, or the next match against Spain. This match means a lot to me. I still believe we can win if we reach the final.

Even if winning doesn't prove my idea is correct, it will make me feel better. At Barcelona, the objective is also to win. A player's career is short; I'm 25 now, which isn't young in football, and I want to win as many trophies as possible and experience the best football has to offer.

England will call up more young players over the next two or three years. What advice do you have for young players currently on the fringe of the squad?

When you come to the England squad, be yourself. The coach selected you for your unique qualities—not to imitate other players or force yourself to adapt to the team's system. The coach values your characteristics and believes your strengths can help the team. So don't change yourself, don't imitate others, and you'll be more comfortable.

Traduit par IA.

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