Gordon was speaking ahead of England\u2019s UEFA Nations League clash against reigning world champions Spain this weekend and questioned whether England can ever control matches in the same way as the Spanish side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Barcelona player, who has gained first-hand experience of Spanish football since moving to the club from Newcastle, said the two countries have different qualities and England should make better use of theirs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them, because we\u2019re not them. We\u2019re English, and we have our own strengths which they don\u2019t have, so maybe we start playing the way we\u2019re good at,\u201d Gordon told reporters on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gordon has made 25 appearances for England and scored four goals. His comments come after England\u2019s disappointing World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina, where they lost 2-1 after taking the lead through Gordon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The winger was substituted after scoring, with England switching to a back five. Argentina eventually turned the match around, with Enzo Fernandez equalising before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gordon admitted the defeat left a lasting impact but believes the experience could help England in future tournaments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe scar doesn\u2019t have to be a negative one because it might lead us to victory in the next tournaments,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Having played in Spain, Gordon said he has developed a better understanding of the differences between English and Spanish football. He feels the possession-based approach used by Spanish players is difficult to simply teach to English players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m speaking from a point of view where I feel like we are trying to replicate Spain. Because I\u2019m in Spain, I know we have just as good players, but they have different qualities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhy are you trying to make those players the same as the Spanish players? Because the Spanish players lack the things that we have and vice versa,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gordon also said England\u2019s ability to control matches through long periods of possession may not come naturally to the team.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhy are you trying to make those players the same as the Spanish players? Because the Spanish players lack the things that we have and vice versa,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI even look at some of the decisions they take on the ball sometimes and think I\u2019m not sure how you\u2019ve seen that. It\u2019s the way they\u2019re built,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n