Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson stepped off the bench to send England under-21s through to the semi-final of the European Championships.
The 22-year-old was a dab hand at taking penalties in the FA Cup for Forest last season, and he tucked it away from 12 yards in stoppage time to put the rubber stamp on a 3-1 win for Lee Carsley.
Forest fans were surprised that Anderson didn’t start the game against Spain. The number eight was left out of the starting eleven in strange circumstances, with the player having started all three group games.
Carsley is aiming to retain the European Championships won by his team two years ago, when Anderson’s Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White was integral to the Three Lions’ plans.
Spain v England - UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Quarter-Final
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Lee Carsley makes big Elliot Anderson claim after England under-21s beat Spain
England’s opponents last night were the overwhelming pre-tournament favourites, but England stood firm to do an extremely professional job and edge through to the semi-finals.
It was disappointing to see Anderson not in the starting eleven when the teams were announced ahead of kick-off, but there was method in the madness from Carsley, who was quizzed on the decision afterwards.
He told Channel Four: “Obviously, with how the group went we haven’t been able to rest players and that’s one of the reasons why Elliot wasn’t able to start, we have to protect and obviously now he will be such an important player for us in the semi-finals and we look forward to seeing him out there.”
Anderson now vital for club and country
It sounds as if Carsley really didn’t want to leave Anderson out against Spain, but that was the conundrum he faced regarding the fitness levels of his squad.
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Although Anderson is naturally fit and at an age where niggling injuries are not really a concern, he is coming off his first season playing regular football at the highest level, and that will obviously prove tough.
The decision did look like an inspired one. Anderson came on and looked fresh and energetic as he helped the Young Lions reach the last four, scoring his penalty with ease in stoppage time.
It’s great to hear that he’s going to start the semi-final. This type of experience helped Gibbs-White go to the next level, and hopefully, Anderson can get the same level of reward after loyalty from Carsley.