Elliot Anderson, after initially considering Scotland, has firmly committed to England, winning the U-21 championship and receiving a call-up to the senior squad. His move from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest, though tough, proved pivotal for his career, showcasing his Premier League talent and his impressive form under manager Nuno Espírito Santo and aims to emulate his idol, Kevin De Bruyne.
Elliot Anderson, the talented midfielder, is embarking on a new chapter in his career, fully committing his international future to England after previously considering representing Scotland. This decision marks a significant moment for the young player, who now aims to make his mark on the senior England squad and follow in the footsteps of renowned players who started their careers at Wallsend Boys Club.
The journey to this point has been filled with contemplation and ultimately, a firm conviction in his English identity. In August 2023, Anderson received his first call-up to the Scotland squad, a moment that should have been filled with pride and anticipation. Eligible through his grandmother, he was slated to participate in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Cyprus and a friendly match against England at Hampden Park. Scotland's manager, Steve Clarke, expressed his delight at the time, believing Anderson's addition would benefit the team both immediately and in the future. However, as fate would have it, Anderson never donned the Scottish colors.
Despite initially joining the Scotland camp, Anderson withdrew after just one training session, citing an injury as the official reason. However, he now admits that the true reason was a need for more time to carefully consider his international allegiance. "I went away with the Scotland team, and I left camp after a few days and decided I just needed more time to make my decision really," Anderson explains. "I didn’t want to dive into anything, so I’m really thankful I’ve done that now."
Two years later, Anderson's commitment to England has paid dividends. He is now a European Under-21 Championship winner and has earned his first call-up to the senior squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. This decision wasn't solely about reconsidering Scotland; it was a realization that he possessed the talent to compete for England, despite never being selected for their junior ranks. His first call-up to the England Under-21s came a year after his withdrawal from the Scotland squad, solidifying his choice.
"I’m definitely English," Anderson asserts, his north-east accent ringing with conviction. "That’s where I see myself. It’s just I hadn’t really been called up to England throughout the ages when I was younger, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to play [for Scotland]. Then, once I got that belief that I thought I was good enough to play for England, it hit me, and I focused on England."
While Anderson's decision has been met with regret in Scotland, it also resonates within Newcastle, his former club. His impressive performances for Nottingham Forest serve as a reminder of the potential that was sacrificed due to Premier League financial regulations. Newcastle's sale of Anderson for a reported £35 million in 2024 was a necessary measure to comply with Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). However, the departure of a local talent who once trained alongside the legendary Paul Gascoigne was a difficult pill to swallow for many.
Anderson reflects on the move, "It was a tough move at the time, but ultimately, I probably wouldn’t be sitting here now if I didn’t make the move. Sometimes you’ve got to step out of your comfort zone and believe in yourself, which is what I’ve done. I believed I was ready to go and play in the Premier League every week, and I don’t think I would be in this position now if I didn’t do it."
Should Anderson earn his first senior cap for England, he would further cement the remarkable connection between Wallsend Boys Club and the national team. The esteemed list of Wallsend alumni includes iconic figures such as Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, and Michael Carrick.
Anderson emphasizes the significance of Wallsend Boys Club, stating, "It’s a top boys club up in the north-east, and I think you can see all the professional footballers who have come through Wallsend. There hasn’t really been another player to make England for a while, so it’s a really proud moment, and I’m just hoping I get that cap."
During his time at St George's Park, Anderson remained cautious when discussing Nuno Espírito Santo’s future as Nottingham Forest manager but expressed his strong desire for him to stay. "He’s been really good for me," Anderson acknowledges. "I feel he’s given me the freedom to go out and do what I do. He just believes in me, which is the main thing. He has said go out and play the way you train, which has really helped me. Freedom in the team has given me the platform to do well."
That freedom was instrumental in Forest's unexpected challenge for a Champions League spot last season. It was on full display on the opening day of the new season when Anderson delivered a sublime pass to Chris Wood for his second goal in the 3-1 victory over Brentford. The assist was reminiscent of the brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne, a player Anderson greatly admires.
"He was my favorite player over the past four or five seasons in the Premier League," Anderson reveals. "I was watching him all the time, just his eye for a pass for me. The way he plays, how nice he is to watch, really caught my eye. He was the player I was trying to copy. He’s a top, top player, so I’ll be doing something right if I can half copy him."