Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has looked right at home at the base of England’s midfield as he looks to consolidate his place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next summer’s World Cup
Elliot Anderson’s rapid rise to England stardom may have dented Jordan Henderson’s World Cup prospects. But that hasn’t stopped the 35-year-old veteran from playing a backstage role in Anderson’s explosive development.
When asked who had helped him make the step up so seamlessly, the Nottingham Forest anchorman revealed after starring on his third consecutive international start against Wales: “Everyone, really. Everyone has been so kind and helpful. Jordan Henderson, in particular, has really helped me and coached me through the role a little bit.
“He helps me in training. A lot of people [have helped me], but probably mainly Jordan.”
Henderson, who previously drove a hire van from Amsterdam to Berlin to support England in the European Championships final after being omitted from Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad, has always cared deeply about his country.
However, the admirable growth of Anderson – a humble, softly-spoken midfielder from the North East – particularly resonates with him.
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The evergreen Brentford maestro has trodden a similar pathway to his 22-year-old peer after also leaving his beloved boyhood club, Sunderland, to further his career. Anderson continued: “His main thing is just to bring energy.
“I spoke to him after I played against Brentford and he just said that he likes the way I play and the energy I have. So, that is the main thing I took from him, to bring energy and get on the ball, and try and play a lot.”
After earning back-to-back man of the match awards against Andorra and Serbia in September, the Forest gem has swiftly established himself as the apple of Thomas Tuchel’s eye. He has undoubtedly grabbed the bull by the horns in the absence of Jude Bellingham.
U21 European Championship winner Anderson replied when asked if the novelty of playing for England will ever wear off: “Never. Every time you put on the England shirt it feels the same and it’s an immensely proud moment, it will always be the same.
“It is obviously the first time I have walked out at Wembley with England and it was a huge moment. I was really proud walking out and I had to get out there and perform.”
Speaking after Thursday’s 3-0 demolition of Wales, stand-in captain Declan Rice claimed he did not think Anderson could have played any better in light of his first three England outings.
The pair’s all-action midfield partnership is evidently blossoming and unsurprisingly, Anderson is relishing the chance to learn from the Arsenal stalwart. Anderson said of Rice: “I think I am building a nice relationship with Dec in there.
“I am getting to do it more, which is good, and getting to know him – hopefully we can continue. He is so good in the No.8 role, you saw it tonight [Thursday], he is just so good, really.
“He gets goals and gets assists as well, which helps when he is playing higher up. He is just a top player to play alongside.”
Forest’s struggles under Ange Postecoglou make Anderson’s sparkling international form all the more impressive. He has put the Tricky Trees’ woes to one side – despite being adamant things will improve soon.
Anderson concluded: “I’m with England now so I’m purely focusing on England. I’m sure we’ll get back to winning ways with Forest soon.”
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