Elliot Anderson has made Newcastle United fans proud after making his debut in England’s… win against Andorra on Friday evening.
After a fine start to the season, it was only a matter of time before the 22-year-old got the nod from Thomas Tuchel.
Elliot Anderson was named on the teamsheet for England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra at Villa Park, and he made sure fans would remember his debut.
The former Newcastle United man was brilliant in a side which had fellow Geordie Dan Burn playing as a centre-back. Playing in a deeper midfield role, Anderson was not afraid to give himself time on the ball and make progressive passes.
With his debut now in the books, it confirms that Anderson has joined an exclusive list of people.
Elliot Anderson runs with the ball during an international game between England and Andorra.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Elliot Anderson becomes the sixth Wallsend Boys Club graduate to play for England
Those in the North East will be aware of the famous Wallsend Boys Club, which developed some sensational players at a young age.
However, very few of them have gone on to play for England. In fact, Anderson became just the fifth graduate from the club to make his debut for the Three Lions, following in the footsteps of Newcastle legends like Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley.
Shearer played for the Boys Club until he was 16, before signing for Southampton. He represented England at the 1996 European Championships and 1998 World Cup. The Premier League’s record scorer won 63 caps, scoring 30 goals.
Wallsend Boys Club graduates to be capped for England Caps
Alan Shearer 63
Peter Beardsley 59
Michael Carrick 34
Fraser Forster 6
Alan Thompson 1
Elliot Anderson 1
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As for Beardsley, he made 59 appearances for England, representing the country in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups under Sir Bobby Robson.
Anderson also joins Michael Carrick, Fraser Forster and Alan Thompson as Boys Club graduates who have gone on to represent England.
Newcastle United will never forgive PSR for forcing the Anderson sale
While Steve Bruce was the one who gave him his professional debut, Eddie Howe was the manager who gave him the big opportunities to impress.
It was clear that Newcastle had a star in the making with Anderson, but when PSR troubles arose, Newcastle had to weigh up all of the options.
Statistics vs Andorra Elliot Anderson
Minutes 90
Passes completed 107/114
Passes into final third 20
Total duels won 7/14 (50%)
Tackles 2
To avoid a point deduction, Newcastle had to sell Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, with both deals giving the club a major profit. However, the pair have gone on to shine at their new clubs, leaving fans wondering what could have been if they had stayed on.
Anderson did not want to leave Newcastle, but realised it was something that he had to do to help his club and better his career. However, one would argue that he would not have a place in the Magpies’ starting XI, especially with Joelinton struggling with injury problems.