Gordon's surprise at Tuchel's switch highlights England's Cup exit

England's World Cup campaign ended after a semi‑final defeat to Argentina, and winger Anthony Gordon disclosed that he was surprised by manager Thomas Tuchel's decision to substitute him shortly after his opening goal. The match, played on 24 September 2026, saw England fold in the closing stages, missing a golden chance to reach the final.

The substitution decision

Gordon was the first player Tuchel replaced, making way for defender Ezri Konsa with more than 20 minutes remaining. Tuchel had been widely accused of adopting a negative approach after Gordon’s strike, but he maintained he did little wrong as England folded.

Gordon admitted his surprise, saying, “Yeah, I was, being totally honest. Only because I’d just scored. I’m the type of player that I’m really good when I play off adrenaline.” He added that scoring put him in an “untouchable mode of confidence” and made him feel “on top of the world” on the grand stage.

Post‑match debrief

After the loss, the squad met at St George’s Park for a full debrief ahead of a four‑match Nations League schedule during the international break. Gordon said the meeting was important because “we’re probably best not kidding each other” and helped them move forward.

Kane leads England to victory in the Nations League

He described the session as a “massive disappointment” because the team felt they were in a good place, yet also “quite a positive meeting” where the coach thanked the players. Gordon called the summer “the best of my life” and said he could not be any happier or prouder.

Tuchel echoed the contrast, noting he had never felt better after Gordon’s goal and never worse twenty minutes later. He said losing leaves a scar that “doesn’t always have to be a negative one” and hopes the team will become better because of it.

Kane reaches record tally for England in the Nations League

The interview was published in the Comments Sport section by chief sports writer Andy Dunn at 06:00 on 24 Sep 2026, accompanied by two images – “View 2 Images”. England now turn their focus to the upcoming Nations League fixtures, hoping to rebuild after the World Cup exit.