Elliot Anderson is being given time and space to decide whether to represent Scotland or England at international level, with key figures from both nations stepping back to allow the Newcastle United midfielder to make his choice without pressure.
The 20-year-old, born in Whitley Bay but eligible for Scotland through his grandparents, has played for Scotland at youth and under-21 levels, with a brief stint for England under-19s in between. After talks with Scotland boss Steve Clarke, Anderson appeared to have chosen the Tartan Army last month, but he left the camp early citing a knock, and reports suggest he felt uncomfortable.
Former Newcastle manager and current Scotland assistant John Carver said: “We have to respect and give him the time to make his decision. He’s a young lad, he’s developing as a player and developing in the right direction. He needs to be given a little bit of time with his family. We’ve not put him under any pressure whatsoever.”
Clarke echoed that sentiment: “Elliot is a young man making his way in the game. He has a big decision to make international-wise. Let’s just give the boy a little time and space to make that decision. He left the last camp and we haven’t spoken since. I haven’t picked him for this camp. I will move on and work with the players I have got.”
England manager Gareth Southgate also expressed interest but is taking a hands-off approach. “I haven’t spoken with him. Those things John McDermott deals with. We are the same as Steve, respectful those decisions are big ones and we don’t want to pressure anybody. We like Elliot, we think he is a very good player with high potential. He is obviously at a club that are absolutely flying. So we will just have to wait and see.”
Anderson was not called up by either nation for the current international break, with the Newcastle academy graduate taking time to assess his options. His club form under Eddie Howe has been impressive, including a cameo in the Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain, but breaking into England's star-studded squad remains a significant challenge.
