\n<\/p>\n
Gordon’s goal in the semi-final capped what was an impressive tournament for the 25-year-old and briefly had England supporters dreaming of World Cup glory.<\/p>\n
The winger started five of England’s games and also provided four assists.<\/p>\n
He was taken off 17 minutes after putting the Three Lions ahead against Argentina and says that he was surprised to be substituted.<\/p>\n
He says that after scoring he plays “off adrenaline” and “goes into an untouchable mode of confidence”.<\/p>\n
“It makes me feel on top of the world, especially in that moment on that stage. I felt really good,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But as a winger, to be honest, I come off most games. It’s normal [for wingers].<\/p>\n
“Obviously that substitution was different but in that moment probably yeah, but in general as a winger I expect it a lot of the time.”<\/p>\n
England had battled to a 3-2 win over Mexico in the Azteca Stadium, where they played with 10 men for over 35 minutes after Jarell Quansah’s red card.<\/p>\n
According to Gordon, the manner of that last-16 victory was a factor in the players’ thinking when trying to get over the line against Argentina.<\/p>\n
The winger also suggested that the team did not match the performances that they were creating in training.<\/p>\n
If they had, Gordon says, they “would have dominated everyone”.<\/p>\n
He defended Tuchel’s “more safe and more defensive” tactics, which sparked external criticism<\/a> and in-camp disappointment.<\/a><\/p>\n “We shouldn’t try and blame one man who’s obviously trying his best and trying to win the cup for us all,” Gordon said.<\/p>\n “As players, we could have done more to take the initiative to control the [Argentina] game. I think if we do that the manager doesn’t make the decision [to use a back five].<\/p>\n “For me, we had the best team, we had the best players on the pitch in that semi-final, and in the last 20 minutes we didn’t play the best football.<\/p>\n “That’s something the manager can’t really affect from the sideline, so I think as a group everyone together should take responsibility.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n