Thomas Tuchel has hinted that Elliot Anderson will likely start for England against Serbia, following an impressive debut in a 2-0 win over Andorra. Tuchel praised Anderson’s physicality, mobility, and passion for defending, noting his adaptability and freedom on the field. Despite a less-than-stellar performance against Andorra, Tuchel remains optimistic about England’s progress and their ability to prove their strength in the upcoming match in Belgrade. He also expressed support for Marcus Rashford, emphasizing his importance on the left flank and the team’s commitment to supporting him through his struggles.
Thomas Tuchel has strongly indicated that Elliot Anderson is poised to make his first start for England in their upcoming match against Serbia. This comes after the Nottingham Forest midfielder delivered a stellar performance in his debut, playing as the No. 6 in England's comfortable 2-0 victory over Andorra.
In a game where England continued their march towards World Cup qualification, Anderson emerged as a significant bright spot for Tuchel. The 22-year-old's impressive passing range and physical presence at Villa Park have seemingly solved a nagging midfield dilemma for the Three Lions. All eyes are now on whether Anderson will once again grace the pitch when England locks horns with Serbia in Belgrade on Tuesday night.
"He's simply a top-tier football player," Tuchel exclaimed. "He brings physicality, coupled with remarkable mobility for a No. 6. He's got the build for it, a genuine love for defending, and isn't shy about putting his body on the line in duels. He's a passionate passer, keen on breaking lines, and his mobility in the game is outstanding. It was a joy to watch him."
Tuchel also lauded the supportive environment created by the team around Anderson, which allowed him to flourish. He believes Anderson demonstrated adaptability, transitioning his training ground form and performances with Nottingham Forest and the U21s seamlessly into the international arena. "He played with remarkable freedom, quickly finding his rhythm. I believe he possesses the physicality and mindset required for more challenging encounters. Based on this performance, he's definitely in contention for the Serbia game."
Despite maintaining their position atop Group K with a perfect record of four wins, England struggled at times against a resilient Andorra side. Christian García's own goal and a header from Declan Rice were required to secure the victory in what was otherwise a lackluster match. However, Tuchel expressed satisfaction with his team's overall showing.
"We're progressing," Tuchel stated. "This experience has been a significant learning curve for me. International football is a world apart from club football. However, we're making strides, and I'm extremely optimistic about the group we had in camp and their attitude, training ethic, and performance today. I am utterly convinced that we're on the right track. It's now our responsibility to prove it consistently."
Addressing Marcus Rashford's form, Tuchel affirmed his belief in the player's ability to shine on the left flank, despite a nearly two-year goal drought for England. "He's undoubtedly a left winger," Tuchel emphasized. "He was given the freedom to drift inside a bit more today. He had an exceptional week of training, and it was clear that we wanted him to start because of his outstanding performances on the left side."
Tuchel acknowledged Rashford's struggles with translating his training form into tangible results for England but reiterated his unwavering support. "I can see his effort, which is the most crucial aspect for me. He's training with the right attitude, a smile, and a wealth of quality. He's facing some challenges with his goal tally and delivering that 'wow' performance in an England shirt, which I recognize. However, as long as he maintains his training levels, attitude, and active involvement within the group, we will continue to trust, encourage, and support him."
Looking ahead to the clash against Serbia, Tuchel expressed confidence in England's ability to rise to the occasion, emphasizing the significance of securing a victory to potentially extend their lead at the top of the group. "Now, we must make a statement in Belgrade," Tuchel declared. "The key is to win and demonstrate our resilience. We anticipate a highly charged atmosphere in the stadium, fueled by passionate supporters. We are not making excuses regarding the pitch conditions either, and we are prepared to face a very physical team."
He concluded, "We have to elevate our game, adapt to the circumstances and the opponent, and prove that we are a formidable group heading in the right direction. I believe we've had an excellent five days, with just two days to prepare for Tuesday. Hopefully, we can demonstrate that we're ready for the challenge. We must adapt to whatever comes our way, embrace the physicality, overcome adversity, and secure another victory."