Gordon admits 'surprise' at Tuchel decision in Argentina defeat

Anthony Gordon admits he was "surprised" to be hooked by Thomas Tuchel after putting England ahead in the World Cup semi-final.

Tuchel was widely accused of being too negative following Gordon’s strike against Argentina but insisted he did little wrong as England folded and missed a golden chance to make it to the final. Gordon was the first player Tuchel substituted, making way for defender Ezri Konsa with more than 20 minutes remaining.

And asked if he was surprised by the England manager’s decision, Gordon said: “Yeah, I was, being totally honest. Only because I'd just scored. 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.”

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

1. Head THIS WAY

And Gordon revealed that Tuchel and the squad had a full debrief when they met up at St George’s Park ahead of their four-match Nations League schedule in this international break.

He said: “We had a meeting on the first day, which was important because we're probably best not kidding each other. It was a massive disappointment because we felt like we were going to win, or we felt in a really good place. So it was important to just get that out the way and move forwards.

“It was quite a positive meeting. The coach was just saying 'thank you' for a lot of things because, as far as the summer goes, it was the best of my life. I had some of the best experiences that I've ever had in that summer. So I couldn't be any more happy and proud.

“It was just a contrast in that moment. I've never felt better than when I scored that goal in the Argentina game and I've also never felt worse than 20 minutes later. So it was really important we got that out of the way.

“Being totally honest, I think any time you lose anything of value in life - whether it be a person or something like a match or anything you really want to have or win or anything of large value - 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. You can learn different things about the world, about yourself.

“So that's kind of the way I'm looking at it, and hopefully, me and the team will get better for it rather than the other way around.”