Nottingham Forest's Anderson can pinpoint the moment his journey to becoming an England regular bound for the World Cup began
Jonathan Veal Press Association
07:28, 31 Mar 2026
England's Elliot Anderson during a press conference
View Image
England's Elliot Anderson during a press conference
Elliot Anderson can pinpoint the moment his journey to becoming an England regular bound for the World Cup began.
Anderson was a surprise pick by Thomas Tuchel ahead of September's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, but six months later he is set to be a starter at the summer tournament, charged with helping England end 60 years of hurt.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise, making the No.6 position his own in just six appearances, dovetailing nicely with Declan Rice.
His role in the deep-lying position began in the least illustrious surroundings possible as England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley made a tactical switch in an internal match.
A few weeks later he was helping his side to European Championship glory in front of a watching Thomas Tuchel, who immediately took a shine to the former Newcastle man.
And just 12 months on it could lead him to World Cup glory.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder said: "I had a behind-closed-doors match and I was playing in the left 10 and as it happened I was sort of struggling to get on the ball, so he (Lee Carsley) told me to drop deeper and get on the ball and start creating things.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!Get all the Nottingham Forest latest via our Facebook page
"It was at St George's just against each other. Just getting a feel of things before the Euros.
"Then it just felt so natural for me. I haven't looked back.
"It's been crazy. It happened so quickly. I thought it wouldn't have happened this quickly.
"I'm just trying to take it all in my stride and enjoy every moment. It's really incredible to be playing with these players and I'm learning every day.
"I've always been pretty confident, within myself (but) maybe I didn't think it, it might have happened so quickly."
Anderson, who has been linked to a £100million summer move to Manchester City, is so established in the side that he was given the first half of the current international window off to rest alongside other key men Harry Kane, Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Asked how it felt to be left out of a game with so little time left to affect World Cup selection, he said: "I was fine, seeing the other players that were with me I was happy.
"It gives me good confidence. But you're definitely never guaranteed to be called up.
"But hopefully if I keep going and keep doing what I'm doing, hopefully I'll be there."
Article continues below
England's 2026 World Cup kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various Prices
England Official Store
Buy Now on England Official Store
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer's FIFA World Cup.