England boss Thomas Tuchel has hinted that Elliot Anderson will retain his place for Tuesday's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade.
The Three Lions produced an underwhelming display in Saturday's 2-0 win over minnows Andorra at Villa Park, which came courtesy of an own goal and a Declan Rice effort.
While it may have been a lacklustre team performance, Nottingham Forest's Anderson caught the eye with a player of the match performance on his England debut.
Anderson's senior debut took place less than three months after he impressed at the Under-21 European Championship, where he started five of the six matches in England's triumphant campaign.
After being a key part of Lee Carsley's side, Anderson is looking to establish himself in Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of next year's World Cup.
Elliot Anderson of England in action against Andorra on September 6, 2025
Tuchel drops Anderson selection hint
Tuchel looks set to name Anderson in his starting lineup for a second successive game, with the England boss dropping the selection hint in response to a question regarding Jordan Henderson's involvement in Tuesday's away clash with Serbia.
"Yeah, but not only on the pitch," Tuchel told reporters when asked about Henderson's role. "Maybe if Elliot Anderson plays again, to have Jordan in the dressing room and Jordan on the training pitch and around the team, nothing has changed.
“And he is in very good shape by the way, he had a very good training week. Of course, he will have a voice in the team.
"Jordan has played here, Harry Kane has played here and they have talked already about it.”
England's Declan Rice on September 6, 2025
Could Anderson be Rice's long-term midfield partner?
Rice appears to be regarded as one of the first names on the team sheet, but there is greater uncertainty about who will be his midfield partner going into next year's World Cup.
Anderson has the potential to become a regular fixture in the senior side, with the Forest midfielder boasting an all-round game that makes him a valuable addition to any team he plays in.
The 22-year-old has the ability to sense danger and break up play, while he has the technical skills and vision to contribute to his team's attacking efforts.
As it stands, Anderson's main rival for the England midfield role appears to be Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, who has missed the current international window due to injury.
However, there is also the possibility that Jude Bellingham plays alongside Rice when he returns to fitness, although Tuchel can also utilise the Real Madrid star in the number 10 position.
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