Elliot Anderson
Man CityCM
Creative Playmaker
Nov 6, 2002 (23)
Right
5'10"
152 lb
Average outing in WC quarterfinals
Anderson had one cross (one accurate) and two tackles in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Norway.
Analysis: Anderson benefited from a 120-minute performance to rack up his most passes across six World Cup starts. Other than his role as a ball distributor, the midfielder had a quiet day in terms of recovery duties while lacking offensive output throughout a tough matchup. He remains a consistent participant for England with plenty of all-around upside, although his only direct contribution to the score sheet was his assist in the opening meeting with Croatia.
Wins five tackles in 3-2 win
Anderson generated five tackles (five won) and three clearances in Sunday's 3-2 win against Mexico.
Analysis: Anderson was huge in defence and counterattack for England as they defeated Mexico to book a place in the quarter-finals against Norway. The midfielder was crucial in the build-up to the second goal. He won a tackle shortly after kick-off from the first goal and won the ball, with it landing with Jude Bellingham. Bellingham worked the ball to Kane, who found Bellingham in the box for the goal. Anderson has started every game in this World Cup and in the last four games has only failed to win one tackle from 12 attempts.
Joins Manchester City
Anderson has joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest in a deal completed while the 23-year-old midfielder is on international duty with England at the World Cup, with formalities to be finalized upon his return, the club announced.
Analysis: Anderson enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 Premier League campaign, making all 38 league appearances and recording four goals and four assists across 3,334 minutes, leading the entire league in touches, duels won, fouls won and possessions won. The England international won the U21 European Championship in 2025 and is currently representing England at the World Cup, with Manchester City wishing him and the Three Lions well before his anticipated arrival in Manchester.
Creates three chances
Anderson generated one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-1 win against the DR Congo.
Analysis: Anderson created three chances during Wednesday's win, though he didn't get on the scoresheet and failed to put a shot on goal. It wasn't his best match, but it was still a good showing on the whole from Anderson. He and England now move on to face off against Mexico in what should be a very difficult round of 16 clash in the Azteca.
Starting against Panama
Anderson (hamstring) is back in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Panama.
Analysis: Anderson returns to the starting XI after a hamstring injury put him in doubt for the group stage finale. The fact he was able to return so quickly is a good sign that the hamstring injury was a minor issue at worst. Anderson has been solid at the World Cup, and seems to have a move pending to Manchester City when he returns from England duty.
Option to face Panama
Anderson (hamstring) is an option for Saturday's match against Panama, according to manager Thomas Tuchel, per Dom Smith of The Standard. "Elliot and Declan were training today. They had minor issues after the match, but they had enough time to recover. So everyone except for Reece is available, and we will take the decision [on who starts the game] tomorrow."
Analysis: Anderson looks to have avoided any major injury as he plans to return Saturday, with the midfielder deemed fit to start against Panama. With that said, it is unknown if he will still start, as the team may take a more cautious approach, although they will want to avoid losing against Panama and dropping to second in the group. If they do choose to start him on the bench, Jordan Henderson or Nico O'Reilly could see the start, with Henderson a bit more likely, as O'Reilly should be used at full-back with Reece James (hamstring) out.
Could miss Panama match
Anderson could miss Saturday's group-stage finale against Panama due to glute tightness, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Analysis: The central midfielder has been dealing with muscular tightness over the last few days, and it wouldn't be surprising if Thomas Tuchel opts not to risk him. Declan Rice (calf) is also a concern and Reece James (hamstring) has already been ruled out, so England could end up fielding a weakened squad as they'll face Panama looking to secure the top spot in Group L standings. If Anderson is out, and considering Rice is also a question mark, Kobbie Mainoo and Jordan Henderson are options to take his place in central midfield.
Active in draw
Anderson registered four shots (zero on goal) in Tuesday's 0-0 draw versus Ghana.
Analysis: Anderson helped his team around the pitch but was unable to capitalize on his finishing chances during a favorable contest. The central man has enjoyed plenty of freedom to attack while featuring alongside Declan Rice in a double pivot against weak opposition. He remains with one assist in two games but could find opportunities to increase his counts in the upcoming clash with Panama.
Records debut assist
Anderson recorded one assist on one chance created to go along with a shot and a cross in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Croatia.
Analysis: Anderson started in his World Cup debut Wednesday and didn't disappoint, as the midfielder was productive from his deep-lying playmaker role. He would earn his highlight in the 47th minute, linking up with Jude Bellingham for a goal. He would also add some work in the defense, notching two clearances, two tackles and four interceptions. He will be a crucial piece of the team in his central role and is likely to already be involved, starting off the tournament with 47 passes in game one.
Consistent engine, set to start
Anderson has been named in England's World Cup squad and is expected to be a key midfield presence throughout the competition, providing manager Thomas Tuchel with a box-to-box option capable of contributing in both directions.
Analysis: Anderson ended the season having been one of Nottingham Forest's most consistent performers, making 38 Premier League starts and contributing four goals and four assists across the campaign while also leading the entire league for fouls won with 80, demonstrating the physical and combative quality that has made him such an important figure at club level. The Englishman brings energy, directness and the ability to drive through midfield lines that complements the more positional Declan Rice and technical Jude Bellingham perfectly, giving coach Tuchel a dynamic and complete midfield unit. Anderson heads into the World Cup with the confidence of a player who has performed consistently at the highest level throughout the season.
Creates two chances in draw
Anderson generated one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Bournemouth.
Analysis: Anderson recorded another busy outing during Sunday's clash, completing an excellent campaign in which he established himself as the engine of Forest's midfield and one of their most important players. The 23-year-old carried all-around value throughout the season, tallying four goals and five assists from 61 shots (13 on target) and 74 chances created, and adding 127 tackles (76 won) over 50 appearances across domestic and Europa League play. He should remain a central figure for both club and country heading into a summer that brings him the opportunity to shine at the highest international level in the upcoming World Cup.
Earns two assists
Anderson assisted twice to go with five crosses (four accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 3-2 loss to Manchester United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 94th minute.
Analysis: Anderson came up with a second straight match with a goal contribution after a goal last time out, earning two assists Sunday. He first found Morato in the 53rd minute before finding Morgan Gibbs-White in the 78th minute for an assist on both of the club's goals. He's up to four assists and four goals in 37 appearances (36 starts) this campaign.
Nets equalizer
Anderson scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Anderson found the back of the net Sunday to tie the match and earn his club a point, scoring in the 88th minute. This is his second goal in the past five games, also adding an assist during that span. He is now up to four goals and two assists in 36 appearances (35 starts) this season.
Scores Friday
Anderson scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Friday's 5-0 victory over Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 58th minute.
Analysis: Anderson got on the scoresheet with a nice finish during Friday's rout. The midfielder only put a single shot on goal during the match, but he made the most of it. He was excellent throughout and helped fire Forest to what is arguably their best, most complete, performance of the campaign.
Back in starting role
Anderson (personal) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Burnley.
Analysis: Anderson is in the team Sunday after dealing with some tough family issues off the field, as the midfielder works his way back into the starting XI. He should maintain this role as the season closes out, notching two goals and two assists in 32 appearances, still yet to miss a start this season.
Out Thursday
Anderson isn't in the squad for Thursday's Europa League match against Porto following the passing of his mother.
Analysis: Anderson didn't train with the team Wednesday and now the reason is clear why. It's unclear if he'll be back with the team in the coming days and be available for Sunday's game against Burnley. He figures to start even without full training sessions, but if he has to miss that game as well, the midfield will likely be composed of Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez.
Misses training, uncertain Thursday
Anderson (personal) was absent from training Wednesday and is uncertain for Thursday's Europa League clash against Porto, according to Jak Netting from VAVEL.
Analysis: Anderson was not at training Wednesday for personal reasons and is uncertain for Thursday's Europa League clash against Porto. The midfielder has been a key presence in central areas with his ability to control tempo, contribute defensively and handle a share of set pieces, so his potential absence would be a notable blow, with Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez expected to take on larger roles if he is ruled out.
Eligible again
Anderson has served his Europa League suspension and may reappear in the second leg versus Porto.
Analysis: Anderson will most likely bounce back into the starting lineup for both Premier League and European matches in the final stages of the season, leading one between Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez to a bench spot. Anderson is an essential member of Forest's midfield given his all-around value and set-piece deliveries. However, he has failed to score or assist in his last four games played.
Suspended in Europa League
Anderson is ruled out of Thursday's Europa League first leg against FC Porto by UEFA due to suspension.
Analysis: Anderson is one of Nottingham Forest's most important midfield pieces and their go-to guy on set pieces, so his absence is a major hit heading into the first leg of the Europa League. Nicolas Dominguez is expected to pick up more minutes in his spot, but replacing Anderson's presence in the middle and his dead-ball quality in a high-pressure European matchup will not be easy against the Dragaos. Forest will likely look to keep this one tight in the first leg and then hope to get him back at full strength for the return leg next week.
Rockets shot for goal
Anderson scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
Analysis: Anderson saw a spark of brilliance Wednesday after a few whispers of the midfielder looking to be a bit fatigued, firing a shot from outside the box that would find the bottom corner. This is his first goal in quite some time, with his last being Nov. 9 despite having yet to miss a match in league action. He continues to be the workhorse in the midfield, even though he only has four league goal contributions all season, typically seeing decent production as he always finds himself around the ball.
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