Elliot Anderson can be excused for requiring extra time to recuperate after his intense performance in Miami. Following England’s hard-fought extra-time win against Norway, the new Manchester City signing displayed visible fatigue while reflecting on the match with fellow Geordie John Murray from BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It was so tough. So tough,” Anderson remarked, having covered an impressive 14.8 km in the oppressive heat, outpacing his captain, Harry Kane, by several hundred meters. “I was cramping up a few times [in extra time]. But the fighting spirit the lads have is amazing to be part of. The fans should be proud of the amount of fight and determination we showed.”
Although Jude Bellingham garnered much of the attention, Anderson, a product of the Wallsend Boys Club that has produced eight England internationals, including legends like Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick, likely delivered his finest performance since his elevation from the under-21 team. This was achieved despite him being assigned to at least four different positions throughout the match, as coach Thomas Tuchel adjusted his midfield strategy after Declan Rice exited at halftime due to injury issues.
Morgan Rogers stepped in to fill the gap after brief experiments with Reece James and Bellingham as Anderson’s partners. The 23-year-old was a calming presence on the field, completing an impressive 87 passes with a 94% success rate. He played a crucial role in England’s equalizing goal, which came after the ball seemingly struck the overhead television cable during a Norway goal-kick. Capitalizing on this stroke of luck, he surged down the left side, linking up with Anthony Gordon to assist Bellingham.
It is an intriguing coincidence that Anthony Barry, Tuchel’s assistant, has previously described Anderson as “a gift that fell from the sky”
Anderson first emerged as a candidate for the senior team during last summer’s European Under-21 Championship, where he was pivotal in their successful title defense in Slovakia. Initially deployed as a No 10 in Newcastle’s youth squads, his finesse and technical skill have greatly aided his transition to a deeper role for both club and country.
Despite his notable physical attributes, Anderson suggested in his conversation with Murray that he cannot shoulder the entire burden alone. “We could have made it easier for ourselves if we had played more football and didn’t have to run as much,” he noted. “It could be better. At times it was good and at other times it wasn’t so good.
“It could be better. At times it was good and at other times it wasn’t so good. “But that’s football, isn’t it? Sometimes you set out a plan and we didn’t quite do it. But there were glimpses and once we get it right I think we will be frightening.”
Rice is anticipated to partner Anderson once more against Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday, following Tuchel’s revelation that the Arsenal midfielder had been bedridden for much of the three days leading to the Norway match due to illness. Concerns linger regarding Rice’s fitness, especially after he arrived at the World Cup dealing with back issues that have hampered his performance. Tuchel has been experimenting with Anderson pushed forward while also considering alternatives as Rice’s stamina wanes.
With numerous No 10s available, even with the absences of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, and a reluctance to utilize the obvious replacement for Rice in Kobbie Mainoo, Tuchel first experimented with Eberechi Eze in a deeper role against Ghana and Panama with limited success. However, it was Rogers, the Aston Villa forward who is rumored to be leaving this summer for over £100 million, potentially to Arsenal, who joined Anderson in the midfield.
Tuchel took notice that Rogers’ shot from outside the box led to Bellingham’s decisive goal in extra time. “We played with Morgan Rogers in the eight and defensively as a double six,” he stated.
“He’s one of my key players. I’m so, so happy about his performance. He made a big step forward, like all our subs, but especially Morgan in a new position – absolutely top.”
Rogers netted 18 goals for Villa last season primarily as a No 10, illustrating his humility and adaptability as he is willing to sacrifice his personal game for the team’s success and to optimize Bellingham’s performance.
The duo recently featured on a mural in Halesowen, where Rogers grew up, depicting them enjoying orange chips, a local delicacy. Having first teamed up for England’s Under-15s nearly a decade ago, they now have the opportunity to pursue the ultimate prize.
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