Elliot Anderson, the 22-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder, is expressing gratitude for his decision to focus his international career on representing England. Anderson, born in Whitley Bay, had previously represented Scotland at the youth level, from Under-16s to Under-21s. Scotland's manager, Steve Clarke, even called him up to the senior squad for matches against Cyprus and England in 2023. However, Anderson withdrew from the squad at that time and later committed himself to England, his country of birth.
Anderson's journey to the cusp of his first senior England cap has been marked by significant developments in his club career. After rising through the ranks at Newcastle United, his boyhood club, he made a move to Nottingham Forest in July 2024. This transfer came about as Newcastle United needed to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Anderson's impressive performances for Forest earned him a call-up to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking ahead of England's World Cup Qualifier against Andorra, Anderson reflected on his international allegiance. He stated that he needed more time to make his decision when he initially left the Scotland camp. He is now thankful that he took that time. Anderson was part of the England Under-21 squad that won the European Championships. He is now focused on earning his first senior cap in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
Anderson acknowledges that leaving Newcastle was a difficult decision, but he believes it was necessary for his career progression. He felt ready to play Premier League football regularly, a chance that Nottingham Forest provided. He recognized that he might not be in his current position with England if he had not made the move.
Elliot Anderson's career began at Wallsend Boys Club. He then joined Newcastle United at the age of eight. He progressed through the academy and signed his first professional contract with the club in November 2019. A year later, on his eighteenth birthday, he signed another long-term deal. His senior debut for Newcastle came on January 9, 2021, in an FA Cup match against Arsenal. He also had a loan spell with Bristol Rovers in the second half of the 2022-23 season, contributing to their promotion from League Two. After returning to Newcastle, he made over 40 appearances before joining Nottingham Forest.
Internationally, Anderson represented Scotland from the U16 level through the U21 level. He later switched his allegiance to England and became part of the U21 squad. He was a key player in England's UEFA U21 EURO success in the summer of 2025. This led to his call-up to the senior squad by Thomas Tuchel for the first international matches of the 2025-26 season.
Anderson is aiming to follow in the footsteps of other North East talents who have represented England, such as Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne, and Peter Beardsley. He is proud to represent the region and hopes to make a significant contribution to the national team. He also acknowledges the influence of his current club manager at Nottingham Forest, expressing hope that Nuno will remain in charge. He feels Nuno has given him the freedom and belief to perform at his best. Anderson's immediate focus is on the England camp and performing well.
