Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson is gearing up for the World Cup as an England midfielder for the first time.
Anderson is being courted by Manchester City ahead of the tournament getting underway on Thursday, with England in action next week.
If Manchester City were to offer a player to sweeten the Elliot Anderson deal, who would you like included?
The 23-year-old has grown as a player in the last two seasons at Forest, and he’s now pretty much nailed on to start for the Three Lions in the United States.
Ahead of the tournament getting underway, Gary Neville has expressed a genuine concern regarding England, and it involves Anderson.
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Gary Neville makes Elliot Anderson claim
The squad selected by Thomas Tuchel is missing a lot of star players, with Morgan Gibbs-White left at home despite his strong club form.
Neville has reservations about the team’s defensive unit, with inexperienced options like Jarrel Quansah and Dan Burn getting the nod ahead of seasoned tournament player Harry Maguire.
As a result, the pundit has claimed that he thinks Anderson and midfield partner Declan Rice will need to be world-class at this year’s World Cup if England are to be successful.
He said: “I must admit I’m worried about England’s defence. For England to do well in this tournament, Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are going to have to be absolutely world-class. They’re going to have to be unbelievable.
“They’re good players, but they’re going to have to sit there pretty much, not in every game. England will be attacking some games, but when it gets to the knockout games, they’re going to have to be unbelievable in protecting that back four.”
Anderson will now have full focus on the World Cup, and it will be fascinating to see how he performs in the United States.
Forest will hope he produces the goods, as it will significantly enhance the club’s chances of recouping £120 million for his signature.
City and Manchester United are undeterred in their efforts to get him over the line, and a strong World Cup from Anderson could see them up the ante.
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