Anthony Gordon opens up on Thomas Tuchel's 'surprise' call during World Cup semi-final

Anthony Gordon has admitted he was "surprised" to be substituted by Thomas Tuchel after giving England the lead in their FIFA World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

Tuchel faced widespread criticism for adopting an overly defensive approach following Gordon's goal against Argentina, though he defended his tactics as England ultimately crumbled and squandered a prime opportunity to reach the final. Gordon became Tuchel's first substitution, replaced by defender Ezri Konsa with over 20 minutes still to play.

When questioned about whether the England boss's decision caught him off guard, Gordon responded via The Mirror : "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."

Gordon also said that Tuchel and the squad conducted a comprehensive review when they reconvened at St George's Park before their four-game UEFA Nations League slate during this international window.

He explained: "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.

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"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."