Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson was in the starting eleven as England faced Croatia in their opening game at the 2026 World Cup.
Anderson was playing in a major tournament for the first time as an England international, rewarded for a stunning season playing for Forest.
Elliot Anderson wants to win a major tournament with England – can the Three Lions claim glory at the World Cup this year?
The midfielder’s form was so brilliant that Forest reached the semi-final of the Europa League last season and Anderson was integral the season previously when the Reds finished seventh.
Anderson was the only England player called up by boss Thomas Tuchel with Morgan Gibbs-White left frustrated by the England boss.
Elliot Anderson registers assists in England’s win over Croatia
Some outlets were reluctant to give Anderson the assist for Jude Bellingham’s goal just after half-time.
It was, however, clearly Anderson who played a stunning ball down the line for the Real Madrid man to beat his defender and score brilliantly.
England did what they managed to do at the last World Cup in Qatar and win their opening group match, with games against Ghana and Panama to come next.
Anderson started in his familiar position, albeit with a slightly different central midfield duty, with Declan Rice the man typically getting forward.
If the Forest number eight was nervous coming into the game, he didn’t show any sign of it and he got on the ball constantly in the opening exchanges and didn’t look fazed at all.
The first half saw England take the lead twice through Harry Kane; first from the penalty spot and then with a bullet header after Martin Baturina scored a brilliant equaliser.
Petar Musa frustrated England again just prior to half-time with a good finish to draw Croatia level again but England restored their advantage shortly after the break through Bellingham.
England wrapped things up when Marcus Rashford finished off a free-flowing counter attack and in the end this was a good performance for the Three Lions.
WhoScored showed that Anderson made 85.5% of his passes during his 90-minute outing, receiving 69 touches of the ball on the night.
The star boy has arrived at the World Cup! Sum up that Elliot Anderson performance using just ONE WORD!⭐
Anderson made four interceptions which was the most of any England player on the night and also managed two clearances as part of his defensive duties.
This was a very positive first outing in a World Cup for Anderson and now it’s exciting to see what he can help England achieve as the tournament progresses.
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