Following England’s 5-0 away victory over Latvia, the Three Lions ensured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
One of the breakout stars of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign was Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson, who recently made his debut and has impressed ever since. But who has he played against, and why has he been praised for his performances?
Elliott Anderson’s 2026 World Cup Qualifier Appearances
Anderson has featured in three 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against the likes of Andorra, Latvia and Serbia. In addition to this, he has featured in an international friendly against Wales, whereby Thomas Tuchel’s men won 3-0.
According to Sofascore, in all of these matches, Elliott Anderson has achieved an average match rating of 7.2 or higher. His most notable appearance, according to these ratings, was against Latvia, where Anderson scored an 8.7 as England secured 2026 World Cup qualification.
Often at Nottingham Forest, Elliott Anderson is deployed in the number eight position, as the midfielder operates in all areas of the pitch, with the likes of Ibrahim Sangare operating as the more defensive player out of the midfield two. Notably, in matches against Andorra and Serbia, Anderson impressively operated as the more defensive player alongside Declan Rice, adapting seamlessly to his new role.
Against Wales and Latvia, Elliott Anderson was deployed in central midfield, where the player is usually most comfortable. Many were impressed with Anderson’s composure and passing, as well as the bite and energy the player added to the midfield, indicating that he could be a useful addition to England’s 2026 World Cup squad next summer.
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Elliott Anderson’s Journey to the England Squad
Elliott Anderson, born in Whitley Bay in the North of England, has spent most of his career with Newcastle, alongside loan spells with the likes of Bristol Rovers. In the 2023/24 season, the Englishman appeared more frequently for the Newcastle first team, earning him a move to Nottingham Forest, where he has earned plaudits as one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.
In total, Elliott Anderson accumulated over 50 appearances in both the Newcastle U18s and U23s after he joined the club at the age of eight. Such was the progress of the player, he made his first team debut when he was just a teenager, appearing against Arsenal in the FA Cup in January 2021.
His loan spell at Bristol Rovers only earned more plaudits with regard to the youngster. Elliott Anderson was able to score eight times and assist five in 21 League Two matches.
Anderson appeared frequently for Newcastle’s first team before earning his move to Nottingham Forest. The player played fifty-five matches and assisted three goals, an admirable tally for a player who left the club at the age of 21.
Elliott Anderson was initially reluctant to leave for Nottingham Forest, as he was leaving his boyhood club amidst PSR issues. However, the player has gone on to become a household name for the established Premier League side and now looks set to feature heavily for England.
Conclusion
Although he has not yet scored or assisted for England, Elliott Anderson’s appearances were crucial for England at the end of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Many fans will therefore expect the player to be a name to watch out for at the 2026 World Cup.
The player’s club situation at the moment is negative, as Nottingham Forest struggle under Ange Postecoglou, and Newcastle appear to be interested in striking a deal for the player to return to the club.
However, should instability not affect his performances, Elliott Anderson should continue to work his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Mauri Levandi
Recording Date: 13.10.2025