Elliot Anderson will return to Nottingham Forest as a European champion after success with England Under-21s.
When the midfielder links back up with his Reds teammates next month he will do so with a medal to show for his exploits in Slovakia. The Young Lions secured a 3-2 extra-time win over Germany in Saturday’s final to retain their European Championship crown.
Morgan Gibbs-White played a starring role when England won the tournament in 2023. Anderson did the same this time around to become the second successive Forest player to lift the trophy.
Anderson appeared in every match of the competition for Lee Carsley’s side and racked up one goal and one assist. He was substituted in the 99th minute against Germany in Bratislava but will surely have given Thomas Tuchel food for thought.
The Three Lions manager was watching from the stands on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether Anderson has done enough to earn a place in the senior squad next season, but Reds fans are in no doubt about how good he is - and they are determined to hang on to him. Below is a look at what they have been saying on social media.
@Joshnffc16: Said it for a long time and i won't change my mind. Elliot Anderson is the biggest asset we have but goes under the radar. People will pay huge money for him in the not to far future! Best young player we have had for over 20 years #nffc
@RyleeBurtol: Lee Carsley knew it, Nuno knew it, Why can't you Tuchel. Elliot Anderson, what a player #nffc #englandU21 #England
@AlanMacleod14: Congrats to our superstar Elliot Anderson! Magnificent tonight and thought the tournament #NFFC
@Stuart_Clarkson: What a player Elliot Anderson is, amazing performance once again. #NFFC
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@fratzroy: If we sacked Tuchel now and appointed Carsley no one would bat an eye lid. He can’t do anymore than win back to back major trophies. Our very Elliot Anderson was Englands best player by the way. #U21EURO #NFFC
@everybdy8schris: just remembered elliot anderson plays for my club give him a lifetime contract #NFFC
@NFFC890: Elliot anderson. What a baller, should be in 1st team ahead of henderson #NFFC
@Mega_Phone_Man: Buzzing for Elliot Anderson! Congrats pal. #nffc
@magicmark79: GET IN! So proud of the whole team, but especially our Geordie Maradona Elliot Anderson #nffc
Anderson’s impressive performances for the Under-21s came on the back of a superb first year at the City Ground. The 22-year-old signed for the Reds from Newcastle United last summer and quickly established himself as a key player for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team.
He is yet to follow Gibbs-White in receiving a senior call-up for England. But prior to this weekend’s final, journalist Henry Winter had called for the Forest star to get recognition ahead of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson.
Winter had said on Substack: “It still seems a travesty, and a mystery known only to Thomas Tuchel, that Jordan Henderson was named in the last senior England squad and not Elliot Anderson. Henderson’s the past, and a respected performer for England on 84 occasions, but the uncapped Anderson is the future. And Tuchel is searching for a 6.”
Should Anderson get a senior England call-up? Click HERE to have your say