The midfielder played in England's defeat to Japan last night as the countdown to the World Cup continues, but it was not a good night for Thomas Tuchel's team
Leigh Curtis Derby County Writer
11:43, 01 Apr 2026
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson
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Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson(Image: Getty)
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson was deemed the best of a bad bunch after England toiled in their 1-0 friendly defeat to Japan last night.
In what was a dour performance, Thomas Tuchel was left with some serious thinking to do ahead of the World Cup later this summer.
There were a multitude of off-key performances with Cole Palmer being branded as a player struggling for form and confidence.
But there are no such concerns over Forest's Anderson who will no doubt spark big bids for his services this summer if he shines at the World Cup later this year.
He was the standout performer on the night as he clipped the crossbar with a decent effort and his display received positive assessments from the English media.
The Guardian said: "Elliot Anderson hit the bar and offered physicality but he was isolated against Daichi Kamada and Kaishu Sano."
And the BBC added: "A certain starter at the World Cup. Assured in midfield, provided a drive to England's play and tried to make things happen. One of the better performers on the night and clipped the crossbar with a good effort."
The Sun also had words of praise for Anderson, stating: "Came very, very close to levelling the scoring in the first half, with what was a brilliant curling effort from range, which kissed the crossbar.
"He was all-action with plenty of tackles and interceptions, and the best of a pretty poor bunch when it came to English individuals.
"Should definitely be starting next to (Declan) Rice in the summer, and it’s easy to see why he is well-loved by Tuchel and admired by other coaches in the Premier League too."
The Daily Mail agreed and said: "Easily the pick of a poor England. Played balls between lines but team-mates made little of them. One player Tuchel should not worry about."
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And Goal added: "England's most connective midfielder, winning possession back and progressing play either with his carries or excellent range of passing."
The Telegraph noted his contribution and reported: "Was the only player to emerge from the first half with credit. He kept passing the ball forwards and also hit the bar with a curler from the edge of the area."
Should Anderson start at the World Cup? Have your say HERE.