Anthony Gordon accepts shared responsibility for England's World Cup exit

Anthony Gordon has said England's players must share responsibility for their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina, defending Thomas Tuchel while acknowledging his surprise at being substituted. Speaking at St George's Park, the Barcelona winger said the team could have taken greater control of the match rather than leaving their coach to respond defensively, BBC Sport reported.

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Gordon's account centres on a match England led before losing 2-1 in Atlanta on July 15. England Football's official record confirms that he scored in the 55th minute and was replaced by Ezri Konsa in the 72nd. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute, before Lautaro Martinez supplied the decisive goal in stoppage time to send Argentina through.

The official match report also records how Argentina threatened before their late breakthrough. Jordan Pickford saved a Nico Gonzalez header, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as England protected their advantage. Fernandez eventually scored from outside the penalty area following a short corner, and Martinez headed in Lionel Messi's cross for the winner. Gordon's opening goal had come from a Morgan Rogers delivery.

In comments reported by the Press Association through The Irish News, Gordon explained that scoring had lifted his confidence and made him feel capable of influencing the game further. He said the defeat would remain with him, but suggested that painful experiences could also lead to personal growth and lessons for future competition.

BBC Sport reported that Gordon rejected placing all the blame on Tuchel. He felt the players had not reproduced their training performances and should have done more to retain the initiative. His defence of the coach came alongside the admission that he had felt particularly good on the pitch before being withdrawn.

Gordon also questioned whether copying Spain's possession game was the right route for England. According to the Press Association report, his experience at Barcelona had highlighted differences in decision-making on the ball. He argued that England could improve their possession play while also considering a greater emphasis on physical strength, direct attacks and counter-attacking football.