Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson has affirmed his commitment to securing a place in England's squad for the upcoming World Cup, dismissing suggestions that he has already cemented his position. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable start to his senior international career, featuring in Thomas Tuchel's starting eleven for the last three games.
Anderson's latest appearance came in a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales at Wembley Stadium, where he delivered another impressive performance. Despite seemingly making the deep-lying number six position his own, Anderson remains grounded, especially with a potential fourth appearance against Latvia on the horizon.
"I have got to keep going," Anderson stated. "It is only three games, so I have got to do a lot more than that". He emphasized his focus on contributing to the team and supporting his teammates. "I am just focusing on what I can bring to the team and (will be) just trying to help the team out really," he said.
Anderson also highlighted the importance of team spirit, noting the welcoming atmosphere within the squad. "The team spirit has been very important. It's a top team and top lads, as well," he acknowledged. "They have really helped me and I have felt at home ever since the first day I came in. It helps a lot to bring the good out in players".
Anderson has formed a strong partnership with Declan Rice, who has been playing in a more advanced number eight role. "We have built up a really strong relationship in midfield," Anderson explained. "We have a close relationship there. We are playing closer together, he is letting me go forward a little bit more. We are building a nice little partnership". He added, "The manager has really liked us in the last three games and he has stuck with that. We have just got to keep building on that".
Rice reciprocated the positive sentiment, praising Anderson's seamless integration into the team. "I think he probably can't play at a higher level. He's taken it in his stride and is playing exactly how he does for his club,” Rice said in an interview with ITV. “When you have a lad who's that confident, who comes in and feels like they don't have to do anything different, just go on the pitch, it's like autopilot the way he plays".
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Anderson acknowledged that there is still a long way to go. "Obviously the World Cup is in the summer, still a long way to go, but the more we can play, keep building momentum, it will be really important," he said. He added, "I think I am building a nice relationship with Dec in there. I am getting to do it more, which is good, and getting to know him. Hopefully we can continue".
Anderson's journey to the senior England squad includes representing Scotland at the youth level before switching allegiance to England. He was also a part of the England squad that won the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, earning a spot in the team of the tournament. Anderson received his first senior England call-up in August 2025 for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia and debuted against Andorra on September 6.
