Manchester City fans got another glimpse of Elliot Anderson last night, as England booked their place in the semi-final of the World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are in the last four, after beating Norway 2-1 in Miami.
England needed extra-time, and it was Jude Bellingham to the rescue once more as the midfielder scored twice in the game.
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England were not particularly great, but the conditions were fairly prohibitive and the performance was never going to be the most important thing.
The Three Lions are into the semis, which is all that matters. And City fans can be pleased with Anderson’s performance.
National media praise Elliot Anderson after England’s win over Norway
Anderson started once again for England, as he’d done in every game previously at this tournament.
And while this was a bit of a slog for England in the 30+ degree heat, Anderson genuinely did really well in the middle of the park.
Sofascore data shows that he completed a whopping 86/93 (92%) passes on the night, and his 105 touches were the most of any player in the England team. Only Sander Berge and Martin Odegaard had more in the whole game.
He also chipped in with five defensive actions – just three England players made more.
Tuchel was clearly pleased with what he was seeing from Anderson, who played the 120 minutes despite the searing heat.
Only he, Harry Kane, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Jordan Pickford played the full game.
And national media outlets were relatively impressed with City’s newest signing in Miami.
| Elliot Anderson vs Norway |
| Minutes played – 120+ |
| Touches – 105 |
| Passes completed – 86/93 (92%) |
| Duels won – 2/5 |
| Defensive actions – 5 |
The Independent (7/10): “Was solid in possession and dovetailed well with each of his numerous midfield partners throughout. Produced some key interceptions, always looked to move it forward and was at the centre of things when England did dominate.”
TNT Sports (8/10): “The soon-to-be Manchester City midfielder was the one getting up and down the pitch in the first half. Showed his range of passing with an early cross just evading the head of Bellingham, before it was he who started the move which led to the all-important equaliser. Became England’s anchor in Rice’s absence to display his full repertoire. Whenever England needed him, Anderson was there.”
Mirror (8/10): “Had a terrific ding-dong with new Man City teammate Haaland. Superhuman effort to keep running. Exceptional.”
Daily Express (8/10): “Saw loads of the ball and hardly misplaced a pass. A good drive forward in the build-up to the equaliser before passing to Gordon. Pushed to the ground by Haaland before Heggem’s goal was disallowed. Was excellent on the ball in extra time and vital to seeing out victory.”
Daily Mail (8/10): “Strong start, getting on ball and picking passes all over park. Won ball at onset of equaliser – even if aided by spidercam – and was then smart in setting Gordon free. Not his fault but part of midfield that lost control for large period. Still, effort and work-rate were immense.”
Anderson certainly delivered against Norway, where plenty of his teammates wilted.
His battle with Haaland was especially great to see. They will soon share the pitch together at the Etihad Stadium, but Anderson was not to be intimidated last night and that showed real personality to go along with his fine display.
Anderson has undoubtedly cost a lot of money. But he is already showing exactly why that was the case.
