Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Elliot Anderson will start for England in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Serbia, following the Nottingham Forest midfielder's impressive debut in the 2-0 win over Andorra.
Anderson, 22, caught the eye with his positive passing and physicality while playing as a No 6 at Villa Park, and Tuchel believes he can fill a problem position in midfield. “He’s just a very, very good football player,” Tuchel said. “He has the physicality, he’s very mobile at No 6. He loves to defend, he loves to put his body inside to duels. He loves passing, he loves to break the lines.”
England top Group K with four wins from four, but laboured against a stubborn Andorra side. An own-goal from Christian García and a header from Declan Rice settled a dull game, but Tuchel was pleased with the performance. “We’re getting there,” he said. “International football is so different from club football. But I am absolutely convinced that we are on the right path.”
Tuchel also backed Marcus Rashford, who has not scored for England in almost two years, to shine on the left flank. “He’s clearly a left winger,” Tuchel said. “He trains with the right attitude, with a smile and with a lot of quality. As long as he behaves like that, we will always trust him and push him.”
Victory in Belgrade on Tuesday could leave England eight points clear at the top of the group. “Now we will prove a point in Belgrade,” Tuchel said. “We expect a very emotional stadium, a very physical team. We have to step up and adapt to the circumstances.”
