Gordon admits surprise at Tuchel substitution after scoring in England's World Cup semi-final loss

Anthony Gordon has admitted he was surprised to be substituted just 11 minutes after scoring for England in their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, and says the loss has left a scar he will carry for life.

Gordon put England on the verge of a first World Cup final since 1966 when he netted in the 55th minute in Atlanta, only to be replaced by defender Ezri Konsa shortly afterwards. England barely threatened from that point, and Argentina scored two late goals to advance.

“I was surprised, being totally honest,” Gordon said of the decision by head coach Thomas Tuchel. “Only because I’d just scored, so I’m the type of player that, I’ve said before, I’m really good when I play off adrenaline. When I score, I normally don’t have many bad games because I get into an untouchable mode of confidence. It makes me feel on top of the world. Especially in that moment, on that stage, I felt really good.”

Asked whether he could ever move on from the defeat, the Barcelona winger was candid. “No, I don’t think so. Any time you lose anything of large value in life, you’ll never be the same person. It leaves a scar, but that scar doesn’t always have to be a negative one. You can be a better person for it.”

Much of the post-match discussion centred on England’s inability to control possession, with Tuchel himself suggesting it was not in the country’s DNA. Gordon, who has made a strong start since joining Barcelona, echoed that assessment — and said his time in Spain has given him a clearer understanding of the gap.

“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,” he said. “I’m not sure it’s something that can be taught, because now I think playing in Spain, I can speak with an educated view on the way they keep the ball — it’s very different from what I’ve ever experienced playing in this country.”

Gordon added that the difference is not one of knowledge but of instinct. “We, as English players, are educated the same way as the Spanish players. We know how to keep possession, but it’s the decision-making of certain players in Spain which is just different. It’s not in the English DNA, and it’s probably something I’ve only realised to that extent from playing in Spain now.”

England face world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday in their Nations League opener.