What a match! England’s opening game at the 2026 World Cup against Croatia was an absolute barn-burner. Featuring plenty of chances for both teams, it was a convincing win for the Three Lions, despite one or two frailties at the back.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the stars of the show – Kane bagged himself an impressive brace, while Bellingham presented a constant threat and scored England’s third goal of the game right at the beginning of the second half.
However, one would be criminally remiss to not mention the amazing display put forth by Elliot Anderson – on his World Cup debut, no less.
The Nottingham Forest ace – who has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Manchester City – was utterly sensational against the Checkered Ones. Both creatively and defensively, he seldom put a foot wrong.
To think – just three years ago, Anderson seemed happy to represent England’s bitterest of rivals, Scotland, on the international stage. Back in 2023, Anderson was set to make his senior international debut for Scotland, having represented the Tartany Army exclusively at youth levels up until that point.
He only failed to do so after suffering an injury. The following year, he joined England’s U21s team – now, he is amongst the most important superstars in the Three Lions’ first team. To think – had he not suffered that fateful injury, the Whitley Bay boy would be a Scotland international now.
Should Elliot Anderson start in every game at the 2026 World Cup?
As of right now, we certainly can’t see why not. England do not have a better option than him in the middle of the park right now, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham notwithstanding.
Even then, Rice was noticeably off the boil against Croatia, with some audiences believing he might’ve picked up a knock at some point. If this is the case, it would normally spell disaster – but with Anderson in such fine form, it may not matter.
Kobbie Mainoo is a fine player and was richly-deserving of his spot in the Three Lions’ squad, but he is still a bit green – he lacks Anderson’s footballing IQ at this stage of his career.
Meanwhile, while the decision to call up Jordan Henderson was almost universally panned, we think the criticism levelled at him is harsh. Even at the advanced age of 36, he is still a capable hand, evidenced by the solid season he enjoyed with Brentford in the Premier League.
Where will Elliot Anderson end up after the summer transfer window?
Right now, it seems that Elliot Anderson will join Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City in the summer transfer window. However, he won’t come cheap – they may end up paying a whopping £130 million for the player [via the Mirror].
With the former Newcastle United man enjoying a strong start to the World Cup, this might see his asking price rise higher still – nevertheless, City, being the moneybags club that they are, seem determined to land their man.
Of course, if the deal falls apart, it could open the door for Manchester United to swoop in, but the Sky Blues are certainly the leading contenders at the moment.