England midfielder Elliot Anderson expressed his delight after making his senior debut in the 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park, Softfootball reports. Anderson played throughout the entirety of the game, registering 127 touches and a shot on target in the process.
The Nottingham Forest star received his first senior call-up for September’s World Cup qualifiers, with Thomas Tuchel handing him a starting role in Birmingham. Anderson, who previously featured for England’s MU21s, impressed on his first outing as the Three Lions maintained their perfect record in Group A.
First- and second-half goals from a Christian Garcia own goal and Declan Rice’s shot secured England’s fourth win in four matches as they intensify momentum ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Belgrade to face Serbia. Anderson, speaking after the match, admitted he quickly felt comfortable in the national shirt.
He told the Three Lions media:
I did feel [at home] it was good out there and I enjoyed it.”We knew they were going to be hard to break down and that first goal was going to be important.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who has been highly rated for his composure and creativity at club level, stressed that results take priority, rather than goals in qualifiers.
He said:
It’s a World Cup qualifier all that matters is three points which we got, but little things will come over time.
Tuchel’s decision to trust Anderson reflects the manager’s willingness to integrate young talent into a squad already filled with established internationals. Tuchel, after the game, confirmed that his team runs on an open-door style and welcomes anyone and everyone committed and active in their respective clubs. The midfielder’s energy and technical precision drew praise from teammates and supporters alike.
England now shifts focus to Serbia, with Anderson in contention to feature again as Tuchel looks to keep the winning streak alive.
