Anthony Gordon believes England should embrace their own footballing identity rather than attempting to reproduce Spain's possession-based approach.
The Barcelona winger says his move to La Liga has given him a different perspective on the contrast between English and Spanish football, and he believes England should focus on the qualities that come naturally to its players.
Gordon made the comments as England prepare to face Spain, having returned to international duty following their disappointing World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina.
The 25-year-old said the experience of playing in Spain had reinforced his view that England cannot simply recreate the way Spanish players control matches.
"I feel like we are trying to replicate Spain," Gordon said. "Because I'm in Spain, I know we've got just as good players, but they have different qualities, so why are you trying to make those players the same as the Spanish players?"
He believes the difference goes beyond tactics, arguing that Spanish players have developed a particular way of making decisions in possession that is difficult for England to reproduce.
Gordon also suggested that England could instead make greater use of their physical qualities, direct attacking play and ability to counter quickly.
"We can definitely get better, or maybe go the other way and really play to our strengths, which is play physical, play direct football and on the counter-attack," he said.
His assessment has been shaped partly by his first few months at Barcelona, where he has experienced a very different tactical environment after completing his move from Newcastle for a reported £69.3m.
Gordon has made an impressive start in Spain, registering three assists in his opening three La Liga appearances. He has also spoken positively about the technical demands of the competition, explaining that tighter spaces and quicker decision-making leave less room for mistakes.
"In England, sometimes intensity can cover up mistakes," he said. "Here, a bad first touch or a lack of concentration on your positioning can punish you immediately."
Despite praising the technical qualities he has encountered in Spain, Gordon has not suggested that English football lacks quality. Instead, he believes the two countries have developed different strengths and that England should make better use of its own.
That argument also extends to the national team.
Gordon was part of the England side that led Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup semi-final before eventually losing 2-1. He was substituted during the match and later admitted that the defeat left a lasting scar on him.
However, he has defended Thomas Tuchel and argued that England's inability to control the game was not solely down to the manager's decisions. Gordon believes the players themselves must take responsibility and learn from the experience.
England now face Spain with Gordon offering a clear message about how he believes the team should approach the future: rather than attempting to become another Spain, the Three Lions should identify their own strengths and build around them.
For Gordon, playing in Spain has not convinced him that England need to change their identity. Instead, it has strengthened his belief that they should understand what makes their own players different and use those qualities to their advantage.
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