Elliot Anderson is on the move. In the 88th minute against Croatia, with victory secured, he continues to pursue the loose ball, demonstrating relentless energy in what marks his 60th match of the season. As the ball shifts defensively, Anderson follows it across the pitch, ultimately forcing a hurried pass and a turnover.
In a match characterized by fluctuating emotions and significant momentum shifts, it’s remarkable how quickly Anderson has established himself as essential to the team. With Declan Rice nursing an injury and Harry Kane likely unable to endure eight consecutive matches plus extra time, the team still has uncertainties in various positions, including the wingers and defensive pairings. Outside of Jordan Pickford, many aspects of the squad are in a state of flux.
Amidst this uncertainty, Anderson has taken on the role of the team’s spirit animal, its constant, and the measure against which England’s prospects will be assessed in the weeks ahead. Essentially, to gauge how England is faring, one need only observe his performance. Interestingly, Anderson’s role is not always central; rather, his heat map from the Croatia game reveals that he frequently occupied wide areas, linking play with full-backs, creating overloads, and executing long balls that appear to be a deliberate tactic.
The strategy unfolds like this: Reece James receives the ball on the right flank, drawing pressure from the opposing winger. He retreats toward his own goal until Anderson approaches, at which point he plays a lateral pass. Anderson then propels it forward with his first touch, targeting the right channel for a forward to chase. While seemingly straightforward, this move necessitates coordination, physical strength to fend off challenges, and precise ball contact. When executed correctly, it successfully disrupts the opposition’s positioning.
In the 36th minute, a misstep in this tactic allowed Croatia to regain possession, leading to Martin Baturina’s equalizer. However, shortly after halftime, the same approach proved effective: James passed to Anderson, who quickly sent the ball up the flank, resulting in Jude Bellingham’s well-timed goal.
Yet, there are caveats to consider. Anderson’s pass was nearly intercepted by Gvardiol and likely intended for Noni Madueke rather than Bellingham. It’s clear that Thomas Tuchel has prepared this tactic for teams bold enough to press England aggressively. But what will happen against opponents who either do not press or execute a more effective strategy?
These considerations lead to broader questions about Anderson’s role within the team. How can they optimize the contributions of a player whose skill set may be among the most complete for a young midfielder in English football? Anderson excels in all areas: passing, tackling, screening, jockeying, crossing, shooting, and aerial duels. Given his abilities, is there a position in the squad that does not underutilize him?
As the second half progressed, we saw a glimpse of an evolving answer. With Rice substituted, Bellingham and James took his place, allowing Anderson to shift from the right to the left side of midfield. As a right-footed player, the long ball option from Nico O’Reilly was no longer viable. Instead, he became more of an individual threat, making aggressive runs into the box and pressing higher than in the first half. This shift was partly dictated by the game’s momentum but also served as a reminder of Anderson’s diverse skill set.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Anderson discussed how his role has matured since his early days as a winger or No. 10 at the Newcastle academy. He remarked, “Six or eight, I really don’t care,”
This versatility is why Tuchel values him so highly: his capacity to receive the ball, navigate challenges, and distribute it quickly and forward. Nonetheless, it raises the question of whether advancing long balls is truly the best utilization of his talents. In challenging conditions against weaker opponents who will defend deeply, as well as stronger teams aiming to dominate midfield, England will need to adapt their strategy and balance risk versus reward more thoughtfully.
Ultimately, this reflects a fundamental choice: should they focus on maintaining possession in midfield or push the ball forward rapidly? The decisions made in the second half, including the introduction of Bellingham and James while leaving Kobbie Mainoo on the bench and Adam Wharton at home, showcase Tuchel’s priorities. He seems more focused on mobility and physical resilience than on controlling the midfield.
Anderson is capable of excelling in every aspect. However, this versatility can sometimes be a double-edged sword. The history of football is replete with talented young midfielders who seemed destined for greatness but ultimately settled for mediocrity: Eduardo Camavinga, Saúl Ñíguez, Rúben Neves. Even promising talents like Gavi and Warren Zaïre-Emery, now 21 and 20, have faced cycles of hype and struggle as they grapple with their evolving roles.
At 23, Anderson is a late bloomer with merely two seasons of consistent top-flight experience and one major tournament appearance. With Manchester City reportedly interested, a nine-figure transfer seems imminent. This player is poised for a significant breakthrough. Perhaps this impending ascent is what makes watching him so fascinating; he exudes confidence, seemingly unbothered by the weight of expectations. While he may tire eventually, one wonders—what if he never does?
