Alan Shearer has backed Thomas Tuchel's decision to snub Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson from his England squad.
It has been a manic week for Nuno Espirito Santo's men, with a number of players heading out on international duty. Anthony Elanga, the hero of the 4-2 win away at Ipswich, has been called up for Sweden, while Nikola Milenkovic will play for Serbia.
Morgan Gibbs-White, on the other hand, was initially left out of the new England boss' plans until Chelsea maestro Cole Palmer's withdrawal due to injury saw the attacking midfielder take his rightful place at St George's Park. But there was another omission which had everyone in the East Midlands and beyond talking.
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Elliot Anderson, who joined the club from Newcastle United last summer, has become one of the first names on the team-sheet as high-flying Forest chase the UEFA Champions League places. Fans of both the Reds and the Premier League as a whole half expected the 22-year-old to be selected for the The Three Lions senior team - but he hasn't.
Shearer is a massive fan of the midfielder and was very vocal against his departure from the Magpies, but he understands why he has not been given a chance by Tuchel. He said on The Rest is Football podcast: "I wasn’t so surprised that he wasn’t in the squad, although he is having a very good season again as plenty of them are in that Forest team.
"But, his time will come if he keeps playing really well and that’s the beauty if you’re a player that’s hurt by not getting in the squad, you’ve got the opportunity when the next one comes along.”
Anderson, who has impressed with one goal and six assists in the Premier League this season, will still represent his country during the international break. He has joined up with the England Under 21s.
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