Has 'phenomenal' Elliot Anderson jumped to front of England midfield queue? Thomas Tuchel gives rave review of Forest star - and could start v Serbia
Published 06/09/2025 at 20:53 GMT+1
Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for Elliot Anderson after the midfielder was the stand-out performer in his England debut against Andorra. The Three Lions laboured to a 2-0 victory at Villa Park, courtesy of a Christian Garcia own-goal and Declan Rice header, to continue their 100% win record in Group K. Next up for Tuchel's men is a game against Serbia on Tuesday in Belgrade.
Tuchel ‘absolutely convinced’ England going in ‘right direction’ after 2-0 win over Andorra
Video credit: SNTV
Thomas Tuchel heaped praise on Elliot Anderson after the midfielder’s stand-out England debut in a 2-0 victory over Andorra.
The Three Lions took the lead in the first-half courtesy of a Christian Garcia own-goal, before Declan Rice nodded home Reece James’ cross to seal England’s eighth victory against Andorra in as many games.
England top Group K, with four wins from four, but face a much sterner test in Belgrade on Tuesday when they take on Serbia.
And at full-time, Tuchel singled out debutant Anderson for praise, with the Nottingham Forest star having been among the outstanding players in the first half, while playing at the base of midfield.
On Anderson’s debut, Tuchel told ITV: "Very good, very, very good. He was a bit nervous this week but then did good, and we said let's try it, and he did it.
"That was the test and I think he passed the test. Why should he not play in Serbia [on Tuesday]?"
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Tuchel glad 'there is no curse on English teams' after Lionesses and U21s triumph
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Tuchel had previously bemoaned the lack of a traditional No. 6 in his England squad, and Anderson took his opportunity in the absence of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, his most likely competitor for the role.
After making his debut against a side ranked 174 in the world, Anderson's assignment is likely to be more tricky should he feature against world No. 32 Serbia.
When asked if there was the necessary spark for England against Andorra, Tuchel said: "I think so, it's difficult because it's a very different crowd to a Premier League crowd. I think the energy was right, the quality was there and we should've scored more.
"After the first goal, we had 10 or 15 minutes with too many ball losses and lost our focus and concentration but in the second half, we found it again and should have scored more."
Tuchel added that England would "prove a point" when they play Serbia on Tuesday.
"We've learned a lot and I'm glad for the players," said the German.
"Now we will prove a point in Belgrade [against Serbia]."
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Anderson: I should have scored
Despite having been among England’s brightest sparks, Anderson was left ruing an opportunity he had to mark his debut with a goal.
"It was good out there and I enjoyed it," Anderson said. "We knew they would be hard to break down. I should have scored, but next time hopefully."
Meanwhile, defender James said of the 22-year-old: "He is a phenomenal player. He fully deserves to be here, and he showed that with his performance today.
"I have played against him and I can see what he can do in the Premier League, the toughest league in the world. I thought his call-up would come sooner."
The Chelsea skipper added: "Early on in the season, we have not had so many games to find rhythm. I started in the right direction, so it is a positive outcome from losing against Senegal.
"When you go into tournaments and you play against different teams and different styles you need to adapt."
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