Gordon's move to Barcelona this summer has given him a close-up view of Spanish football before England face the world champions at Wembley. The winger believes that experience has reinforced the need for England to develop their own identity rather than attempt to reproduce Spain's style.
"We cannot keep looking at other countries and trying to be like them, because we are not them. We are English and we have our own strengths that they don't have, so maybe we should start playing how we know best."
Gordon believes England have players capable of competing with Spain's best, but their qualities are different.
"I'm speaking from the perspective that we're trying to imitate Spain. Now, being there, I know we have players who are just as good, but with different qualities. So why try to make those players the same as the Spanish?"
His time in LaLiga has also changed his understanding of how Spanish players see the game.
"Now, playing in Spain, I can speak from experience about how they handle the ball, which is different. Sometimes I even watch some of the decisions they make with the ball and think, 'I'm not sure how you saw that.'"
Gordon believes that ability is developed from an early age.
"It's the way they are built. I don't know if it's something we can ever put a name to, but they are definitely built differently."
While Gordon has been learning about Spanish football from inside Barcelona's first team, one of the club's academy graduates has been learning what it takes to remain there.
Xavi Espart has emerged as one of Barcelona's breakthrough players this season, starting the campaign as the club's first-choice left-back and scoring his first senior goal in the 4-2 win at Levante. It was his 11th competitive appearance for the club.
The youngster admitted that even he did not expect to play so many minutes.
"I'm very young and being able to play so many minutes for Barça was something I didn't expect, but I did know that, if the moment came, I was capable."
Espart's versatility has helped him seize the opportunity. He grew up playing as a pivot before moving to right-back as a teenager, and has since played left-back and in midfield for Barcelona.
"The first thing I am is a footballer. I've played all my life as a pivot, but in my second year of cadet football they put me at right-back and I did well."
He added: "I've always said that the important thing is playing."
Espart has also earned his first Spain Under-21 call-up alongside Barcelona teammate Marc Bernal.
"Being there with the senior team would be incredible, they're the best. It's something you dream about from when you're little."
For Gordon, Spain offers a lesson in understanding what makes another football culture different.
For Espart, Barcelona is providing the opportunity to develop his own identity within it.