Thomas Tuchel has suggested Elliot Anderson could be set for a regular starting role in his England XI after a stunning debut against Andorra.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder was easily one of England’s best players as the Three Lions registered a 2-0 win World Cup qualifying over Andorra.
Anderson cleverly found space, was reliable in possession and was very unlucky not to score in the second half after he was denied by a top save.
The 22-year-old was singled out for praise by England head coach Tuchel as well as a number of football pundits and two of his team-mates.
‘He did very, very good,’ Tuchel said about Anderson’s performance at Villa Park.
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‘He was a little nervous at the beginning of the training week – then he did good. We’re sure he can become a very good player.’
Asked if he had seen enough for Anderson to start again against Serbia, Tuchel added: ‘That was the test – and I think he passed the test.
‘There is no reason why he can’t play in Serbia if we decide to have that position for him, he is ready to go.’
Football pundit Roy Keane told ITV: ‘Anderson has done very well. It was an easy game as he had lots of possession – [but] he had an impact and he will be pleased.
‘If he starts on Tuesday in Serbia, it will be interesting to see how he does. He makes the game look easy.’
Fellow pundit Matt Upson told the BBC: ‘I think he (Thomas Tuchel) will learn [from this game] that he likes Elliot Anderson.
‘He gets about the pitch, and he looks for action. He goes searching for a bit of action.
‘He is that type of player. I thought he had an excellent game in the heart of midfield.’
Anderson’s teammate Reece James, meanwhile, told ITV: ‘He (Anderson) 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.’
Noni Madueke, speaking to the BBC, added: ‘I knew he was top before because when we play Nottingham Forest he is always so good.
‘I knew he’d play like that, he was amazing and looked at home.’
