Bulked-up Nottingham Forest star hailed the ‘new Paul Gascoigne’ after dazzling display
Thomas Tuchel has found a new star of the England team during this international break, who has been likened to Paul Gascoigne.
England defeated Serbia 5-0 after a 2-0 success over Andorra to keep them on top of their World Cup qualification group.
The Serbia clash was touted as Tuchel’s toughest test so far, but goals from Harry Kane and Noni Madueke put England in a commanding position at the break.
Further second half strikes from Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford sealed a comfortable win for England.
Elliot Anderson an ‘important discovery’ for England
Against Andorra, Elliot Anderson earned his England debut, and Tuchel kept faith in the Nottingham Forest midfielder for the trip to Belgrade.
In the Daily Mail [10 September], Craig Hope had high praise for Anderson for his “courageous and creative” performance.
| Minutes Played | 90 |
| Touches | 93 |
| Chances Created | 1 |
| Defensive Contributions | 3 |
“He breaks the lines, follows his pass, links play, and even wins it back should the move break down,” Hope said.
“I have seen Anderson play since the age of 16, when he was a skinny No 10.
“But he always had something of Paul Gascoigne about him in terms of his gait and skill, and now, with the muscle of a man, he is playing like his fellow Geordie as a game-dictating No 8.
“The 22-year-old is the biggest and most important discovery of this international break.”
Anderson earned his chance in the side due to an injury to Jude Bellingham and the withdrawal of Adam Wharton from the England squad, and it remains to be seen what will happen when those two players return.
Selection dilemmas for Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea star Cole Palmer was also a key figure missing during this international break, and Anderson’s fine performances in the middle of the park means Tuchel has decisions to make.
Morgan Rogers also took his chance against Serbia, so there is plenty of competition for the number 10 role.
Bellingham and Declan Rice are likely to be two starters at the World Cup next summer, only leaving one position in midfield up for grabs.
Madueke also stood out down the right flank, but he faces competition from Bukayo Saka, who was another casualty for this international break.
Tuchel needs to settle on his favoured starting XI, though the options at his disposal should excite England fans.