Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson was once again in fine form as the England under-21s reached the final of the European Championships.
Anderson was praised by the media for his efforts as he was restored to the starting line-up following the quarter-final win over Spain, when he was left on the bench.
Lee Carsley praised Anderson despite the decision to rest him for the win over Spain, and it was quite clear that he would start in the last four contest.
Anderson scored the final goal from the penalty spot in the last eight and almost got on the scoresheet last night as Harvey Elliott scored twice in a 2-1 win.
The 22-year-old assisted the Liverpool man for the first goal, and in large parts, this was another impressive performance from the Forest star.
Elliot Anderson congratulates James McAtee after England under-21 win.
Photo by Tullio Puglia – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Anthony Elanga and Ola Aina shocked by Elliot Anderson vs the Netherlands
Anderson enjoyed a brilliant maiden campaign at the City Ground and pinned down a spot in Nuno Espirito Santo’s engine room.
The number eight was in fine form across the campaign and was a contender for the Player of the Year mantle, given how superb he was for the Reds.
Anderson finished the semi-final on Wednesday evening as the England under-21s captain and that left Aina and Elanga shocked.
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Anderson posted on social media: “Big performance. Onto the final.”
One of the pictures showed Anderson wearing the armband, which had been given to him when James McAtee was substituted late on.
Elanga posted: “Captain, yeahhh.”
Aina was equally surprised and posted a shocked emoji, alongside a love heart and the word ‘Armband.”
Anderson is nailed on for England honours in the future
Forest fans have been up in arms this season that Morgan Gibbs-White hasn’t got more minutes for England, and those same frustrations will likely be centred around Anderson in the future.
However, given his performances for the under-21s, Anderson might not have to wait quite as long as Gibbs-White did for his chance on the senior international stage.
Anderson looks nailed on for a call-up with the place in the team alongside Declan Rice pretty much up for grabs right now.
The youngster won’t be eligible for under-21 action after the European Championships, and that could be when Thomas Tuchel chooses to take a look at him.
Forest appear to have hit the jackpot when it comes to Anderson, and long may his form continue whilst he’s wearing the Garibaldi next season.