Jude Bellingham was England’s hero as Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson helped him make the headlines.
The debate in the build-up to the World Cup was whether or not Bellingham would start, given the injury issues he’s had to contend with in 2025/26.
The star boy has arrived at the World Cup! Sum up that Elliot Anderson performance using just ONE WORD!⭐
Forest eyes were naturally on Anderson as he started in a major tournament for the first time since breaking through for the England senior ranks.
Wearing number eight, Anderson didn’t look out of place on the big stage, and Bellingham praised the midfielder after the contest.
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Jude Bellingham praises Elliot Anderson after England win
Bellingham’s goal just after half-time gave England a real foothold in the game after twice being pulled back by Croatia.
The Real Madrid star’s strike came after a wonderful ball – seen so many times at the City Ground – by Anderson, who dinked a first-time pass straight into Bellingham’s path.
After the game, Bellingham said on ITV: “I don’t remember all 23 passes of the move, but I do remember Elliot’s. It was pretty brilliant, and then I just had to stop Noni (Madueke) from taking it off my toes.”
Anderson played the full 90 minutes, with Declan Rice forced off in the contest. Indeed, he didn’t disappoint anyone on his first start at a major tournament.
It’s quite surreal to have a Forest player performing for England on the big stage, and fans will grow accustomed to this sort of thing being a common occurrence.
Bellingham hails Anderson on Instagram
As the players wound down from a big victory in their opening game, Bellingham also took to Instagram to praise Anderson.
The Forest man posted: “Start as we mean to go on! Let’s go!”
Elliot Anderson wants to win a major tournament with England – can the Three Lions claim glory at the World Cup this year?
Bellingham felt the need to reply to the number eight and simply said: “Some pass, brother.”
Together, the duo can form part of a superbly dynamic England engine room, and once the other areas of the team begin to click, England can be seriously dangerous at this tournament.
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