Elliot Anderson’s journey from a ‘unique’ Newcastle departure to an England call-up is a testament to his hard work and determination. After receiving the call from the England manager, Anderson shared the news with his family. Despite initial disappointment at leaving Newcastle due to financial constraints, he embraced the opportunity at Nottingham Forest, leading to his England call-up. His former coaches laud his commitment and mentality, which underpinned his success. His journey serves as an inspiration to Newcastle’s academy players.
The phone call that every young footballer dreams of – it arrived for Elliot Anderson. But this wasn't just a personal triumph; it was a moment shared deeply with his family. Last week, after a conversation with the England manager, Anderson immediately Facetimed his parents, Helen and Iain, to share the life-changing news.
"His face was lit up," Helen Anderson recounted, still brimming with emotion. "Thomas Tuchel had spoken to him and said he was going to include him. We went through all the emotions you can imagine being a parent, knowing he had just received the news he dreamt of and worked so hard for."
Despite the euphoria, the level-headed Anderson remained grounded, preferring to wait for official confirmation before fully celebrating. That moment came unexpectedly the following morning.
Image source, Getty ImagesElliot Anderson is in line to potentially make his England senior debut against Andorra
Anderson and his Nottingham Forest teammates were in the gym, glued to the Europa League draw when an image of the midfielder flashed on the screen, accompanied by the words "call up." The gym erupted in cheers, a testament to Anderson's popularity and the respect he commands.
Now, the stage is set for a potentially unforgettable moment: Anderson's England debut against Andorra at Villa Park. His family will be in the stands, their pride palpable. "It would be a day we would never forget or take for granted," his mum shared. "To think our son has walked out there to represent his country would be nothing short of incredible. It will be so emotional."
Anderson's journey to the England squad wasn't always a straight line. His talent was evident from a young age, with former teachers even contemplating a bet on his future international career. A former teammate still has him saved as 'wonderkid' in their phone.
At Nottingham Forest, he has demonstrated both attacking flair and defensive grit. His statistics speak volumes: Anderson leads the Premier League this season in line-breaking passes (32) and contributed a crucial assist in Forest's victory over Brentford. Defensively, he ranked high in duels won, possession won, and tackles last season.
Thomas Tuchel lauded Anderson as a "good package" after the midfielder played a key role in England's Under-21 European Championship triumph. He was named in the team of the tournament, with Under-21s manager Lee Carsley praising his commitment and desire to represent England.
"He's very committed to his preparation and doing well," Carsley noted. "He made that really clear in all the conversations that we had... He's got so many attributes... but, more importantly, his mentality to be a top player is what has put him in this position."
Interestingly, Anderson was eligible to play for Scotland through his grandmother and even received a senior call-up in 2023. However, his determination to represent England never wavered.
Ben Dawson, Newcastle's first-team development coach at the time, remembers those discussions. "I remember having discussions with Elliot, saying Scotland could be a great opportunity... but he was adamant that he would play for England," Dawson said. "I told him recently that I was really pleased he backed himself..."
His move from Newcastle to Nottingham Forest was a pivotal moment. Newcastle needed to raise funds to comply with profit and sustainability rules (PSR), and Anderson's sale, along with Yankuba Minteh's, became necessary.
Despite the initial disappointment, Anderson embraced the opportunity at Forest. He even attended the Carabao Cup final to support his former Newcastle teammates. His positive attitude extended to recommending Newcastle to Anthony Elanga before Elanga's move in the other direction.
"Elliot was, for a time, very disappointed to be sold," his mum explained. "It was a unique situation... He could have really let it all affect him in a negative way... but he turned it all into a huge positive and got the opportunity to show everyone his capabilities."
Anderson himself acknowledges that the move to Forest was crucial for his England aspirations. The competition for midfield places at Newcastle was intense, but he quickly established himself at Forest.
Harry Toffolo, who helped Anderson settle in, praised his teammate's maturity and impact. "Moving is difficult... But you could see Elliot's maturity and his love for the game... He made an instant impact and thoroughly deserves all the plaudits he's getting now."
Anderson's influence is still felt at Newcastle. A meeting room at the academy is named after him, serving as an inspiration to young players. Steve Harper, Newcastle's academy director, emphasizes Anderson's hard work, resilience, and excellent attitude. He embodies the possibility for academy players to progress to the first team and represent England.