Supporters have told manager Thomas Tuchel that one England player must start at the 2026 World Cup following his excellent performance in their 2-0 win against Serbia.
Although Tuchel put a strong team out, it was anything but plain sailing for the Three Lions, who faced a more dogged Serbian defence compared to the one they thumped 5-0 back in September. The hosts dominated possession, but were made to work for clear-cut chances.
They were rewarded in the 29th minute, when Bukayo Saka volleyed home after Nico O'Reilly's effort kindly deflected into his path. Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford also had opportunities to add to the hosts' lead, but neither could take their chances.
Serbia crafted opportunities of their own and nearly made England pay for their lack of cutting edge on several occasions. But substitute Eberechi Eze was on hand to wrap up the game when his fierce strike found the top corner of the net.
With plenty of positive appearances across the board, it makes Tuchel's job of deciding who should be selected for the squad next summer that much harder. But one player in particular underlined exactly why he should be starting every match for the Three Lions.
Elliot Anderson Excellent Again for England
England's Elliot Anderson in action with Serbia's Dusan Vlahovic
World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - England v Serbia - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - November 13, 2025 England's Elliot Anderson in action with Serbia's Dusan Vlahovic Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Although Declan Rice has been a shoe-in for England through the years, finding the perfect partner for the Arsenal man has been something of a challenge. Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton and even Trent Alexander-Arnold have had chances in the midfield pivot, but Elliot Anderson has made that position his own in 2025.
His performances in the engine room for Nottingham Forest earned him a first senior cap against Andorra in September, and the 23-year-old has not looked back since then. And it was more of the same from Anderson on Thursday night against Serbia.
Praised before the match as "the water carrier" of Tuchel's set-up, Anderson linked defence and attack well while providing a calmness in midfield that the hosts needed at times. Completing 76 of his 82 passes on the night, he got on the ball frequently and helped push the team forward, occasionally putting his role of lynchpin to one side and getting into the penalty area to add extra threat.
Check Out Anderson's Match Statistics Below:
Elliot Anderson's Stats During England 2-0 Serbia
Key Passes
Accurate Passes
Touches
Possession Lost
Tackles (Won)
Recoveries
Ground Duels (Won)
Aerial Duels (Won)
Fouls
Dribbled Past
Over the course of 85 minutes, he was combative on the pitch, but only gave away three fouls and was dribbled past on just the solitary occasion. ITV Commentator Lee Dixon was especially impressed on the night, describing how the Tricky Trees midfielder should be one of "the first names on the teamsheet." And esteemed football journalist Henry Winter added further praise, stating how he looks "impressive" alongside Rice.
Fans Sing Anderson's Praises
Serbia's Ognjen Mimovic in action with England's Elliot Anderson
World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group K - England v Serbia - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - November 13, 2025 Serbia's Ognjen Mimovic in action with England's Elliot Anderson Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Fans were also quick to give Anderson the compliments that his display against Serbia deserved. One wrote: "Yeah fair play Anderson, that World Cup starting 11 is yours."
That was echoed by many others. While one England fan stated, "Elliot Anderson starts for England at the World Cup, so important to that midfield, and Tuchel clearly loves him. What a player," another added, "Elliot Anderson already on the plane for next years World Cup."
One more fan summed up his performance, hailing him as "sublime." They wrote: "Elliott Anderson is a sublime CDM. Always wants the ball, great touch, quick to a forward pass, follows the ball and creates angles, always an option and has legs. Won't ever light up the world but will glue a team together nicely."