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Elliot Anderson is determined to demonstrate why he could be England’s next £100 million sensation on the world stage this summer.

Legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said, “A football team is like a piano – you need eight men to carry it and three who can play it.” The quote still resonates deeply in modern international football, where teams require both workhorses and artists to succeed.

To win a World Cup, most teams rely on one or two extraordinary talents. Spain showed that in 2024 with Lamine Yamal and Pedri leading the way, while Argentina’s 2022 success was anchored around Lionel Messi. France, despite Kylian Mbappe’s brilliance, fell agonisingly short. In essence, the formula remains simple: balance the virtuosos with the grafters who make their magic possible.

Enter Elliot Anderson. He may not be a global superstar yet, but his ability to do the hard yards makes him indispensable. For England this summer, he could be the pivotal player who ensures Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup ambitions materialise.

England’s engine room

England’s main hopes rest on the shoulders of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, whose goals and creativity are vital. But around them, Tuchel has been carefully constructing a supporting cast that can glue the team together. One of the biggest early-season questions was who would partner Declan Rice in midfield — and Anderson answered it emphatically after his debut against Andorra in September. Since then, he has become a regular fixture in the Three Lions midfield.

Despite being a Nottingham Forest player and not usually making front-page headlines, Anderson’s consistent excellence has made him one of the squad’s quiet success stories. If he maintains his form, his reputation will soar this summer.

A unique journey

Anderson’s ascent has been unconventional. A Newcastle United academy graduate, he spent 2022 on loan at Bristol Rovers in League Two, striving to break into the Magpies’ first team. When Newcastle needed to balance their books under Profit and Sustainability Rules, he was sold to Nottingham Forest in 2024 for £35 million — a figure that raised eyebrows at the time.

Internationally, Anderson represented Scotland throughout his youth career and was called up to their senior squad in August 2023. Ironically, he withdrew due to injury ahead of a friendly against England. A year later, he accepted an England Under-21 call-up, starred in the U21 Euros, and made the tournament’s best XI as Lee Carsley’s team lifted the trophy.

Mastering his role

At Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, Anderson initially played as an attacking No.8 or No.10, known for his energy and creativity. Ahead of the 2025–26 season, however, he was moved into a deeper role to accommodate Morgan Gibbs-White further forward — and he thrived. Last season, no Premier League player had more touches or won more duels than Anderson’s 289 across 38 games. His 2,080 completed passes topped all midfielders, ahead of Bernardo Silva, Dominik Szoboszlai and Declan Rice, while only Everton’s James Garner ran more than his 411 kilometres.

“I feel like I’ve nailed a position. I know I did it last season, but I’ve really settled into central midfield, No.6, No.8,” Anderson told The Guardian in April.

Tuchel’s trusted lieutenant

Thomas Tuchel has been full of praise for Anderson’s development. “Anderson is a key player for us right now,” Tuchel said last winter. “He is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League – that’s why he’s with us and starting for us. He deserves it because he’s been nothing but impressive. He just needs to keep going. He’s a complete and mobile midfielder, and that’s what he keeps showing me.”

Anderson’s presence allows Rice more freedom to attack and relieves Bellingham of some defensive duties. His composure, passing range, and ability to recycle possession make him the ideal deep-lying playmaker England have long sought — someone who can both protect the backline and build attacks from deep.

Competition lost and found

Just two years ago, this role seemed destined for Kobbie Mainoo. The Manchester United youngster impressed during the 2023–24 season and was tipped to start at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate’s experiment with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield faltered before Mainoo was eventually trusted in the knockout stages. England reached the final, and Mainoo was one of their standout players.

However, after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim and nearly leaving United in the January window, Mainoo’s England chances dimmed. Michael Carrick’s appointment revived his club career, earning him a spot in the national squad again — but Anderson has now taken his place in the starting XI.

Transfer tug of war

There is now intense interest in Anderson’s future. Both Manchester clubs are reportedly keen, with Forest valuing him at over £105 million — more than Arsenal paid for Rice in 2023. Manchester City have already tabled an offer, but either Manchester United or City could be ideal destinations given his adaptability.

City once appeared the logical fit, but Pep Guardiola’s exit and Enzo Maresca’s arrival have created uncertainty. United, meanwhile, offer glamour and a historic connection with English midfield talent.

Before any transfer drama unfolds, though, Anderson has a World Cup to focus on. It’s the perfect opportunity to prove why top clubs are queuing for his signature — and perhaps, over the next six weeks, to evolve from a reliable piano carrier into a true maestro for England.