Elliot Anderson could fill a role in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield plans
Elliot Anderson could make his England debut against Andorra or Serbia as the sort of midfielder Thomas Tuchel needs.
Had things gone a little differently, Elliot Anderson would currently be gearing up for Scotland’s first 2026 World Cup qualifier against Denmark on Friday. It was only two years ago that the midfielder was called up by the country of his grandmother’s birth. Now, though, Anderson is preparing to make his England debut as one of the Three Lions’ best new prospects.
Anderson left Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad after just one training session north of the border. At that time, he appeared a long way from an England call-up as he struggled for regular game time at Newcastle United. A lot has changed since then, though, for club and country.
For Nottingham Forest, Anderson has been something of a revelation. He quickly made himself one of Nuno Espírito Santo’s most important players after joining from Newcastle last year and was key to Forest making an unexpected challenge for Champions League qualification.
While Nottingham Forest ultimately faded, finishing seventh in the Premier League table, Anderson has firmly established himself as one of England’s brightest young midfielders, hence his call-up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. The 22-year-old has earned his opportunity.
In terms of his skill set, Anderson is an extremely intriguing player. He is naturally creative, as demonstrated by the fact he has already generated five chances for Forest in the Premier League so far this season. Nobody in Nuno’s squad has generated more. Last season, only Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi ranked higher.
As a dribbler, Anderson is prolific, averaging 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes last season. He is a midfielder who likes to pick up the ball in deep areas and drive it forward at speed. This has made him the perfect fit for a Nuno team with Forest one of the best counter-attacking teams around.
Physically, Anderson can more than hold his own against the strongest opponents and is forceful in the way he drives through the centre of the pitch. This is something that could give England a different dimension and is surely one of the aspects of Anderson’s game that has caught Tuchel’s eye.
As a passer, Anderson is also comfortable. He is averaging more accurate passes per 90 minutes (71) than any other Nottingham Forest player this season, highlighting this ability as a rhythm builder in the centre of the pitch. Then there’s his goal threat – Anderson registered eight goal contributions last season.
“Elliot Anderson is very physical, a lot of volume, very precise, clean passing, so it’s a good package,” said Tuchel.”“Elliot was a key player in the [U21] tournament, pressed a lot in central midfield and a regular player for Nottingham Forest – they had a fantastic season. At the end of the season, he had the title with the under-21s and the start to the season and he’s excited to come and join us and I hope he can make his mark.”
Of course, competition will be stiff in the England squad. The Three Lions boast one of the deepest talent pools anywhere in international football with Tuchel hired to win the 2026 World Cup. The process the former Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss is currently going through is with that sole target in mind.
Despite this, England’s midfield formula has been a topic of discussion for a long time. Gareth Southgate struggled to find the right balance in the centre of the pitch and Anderson’s call-up suggests Tuchel sees it as one of the biggest issues he must address before next summer.
Declan Rice is one of England’s central pillars. Barring injury or misfortune, the Arsenal midfielder will be a starter for Tuchel at the World Cup. Alongside Rice, though, there’s an open spot. This is where Anderson could prove himself as the dynamic, box-to-box operator England have needed for years.
Adam Wharton, Curtis Jones and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also on Tuchel’s radar for that role in the lineup. It’s also possible Jude Bellingham could be pushed deeper into midfield to get a more natural number 10 into the team higher up the pitch. A lot of moving pieces have still to settle.
No solid conclusions will be drawn from the games against Andorra and Serbia. England are still without a number of injured figures, including Bellingham, with these qualifiers mainly about punching the ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico next year. Much tougher and consequential tests will come at the tournament itself.
Nonetheless, Tuchel’s process is well and truly under way and there’s no time to waste. If Anderson is to be an important player for England at the 2026 World Cup, it would make sense to integrate him as quickly as possible. A player once seen as a Scottish hope for the future could now become a big part of England’s present.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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