'He is the big discovery' - Thomas Tuchel told to build England team around player emulating Man United legend
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Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Wed 10 September 2025 14:00, UK
Thomas Tuchel has some serious thinking to do after one England star’s performances over the international break.
England thrashed Serbia 5-0 on Tuesday, 9 September, with goals coming from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, who scored his first for his country, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Marcus Rashford.
Elliot Anderson made his international debut against Andorra, putting on a Man of the Match display at Villa Park, before recreating it against Serbia as the Nottingham Forest star continued to impress.
Despite two victories, Tuchel was missing the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and John Stones.
Saka picked up a new injury at Arsenal, and each of these absences allowed others to shine.
(Credit Imago)
Journalist Craig Hope had a special mention for Anderson, who put on back-to-back stellar displays, and he has now dropped a major claim on the 22-year-old midfielder after just two caps.
“I heard you refer to him as a No.6, but I don’t think that does him justice.
Elliot Anderson gets around and dictates,” he said on talkSPORT (10 September).
“Yes, he started in front of the back four, but he was everywhere.
He’s the player Michael Carrick always threatened to be for England.
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“Anderson is the big discovery of his international break.
I think Anderson is wonderful, and they should build the team around him, not Jude Bellingham.”
In 44 international appearances, Bellingham has notched six goals and 10 assists, of which 10 of the goal contributions have either come in World Cups, Euros, or Nations Leagues.
The Real Madrid star continues to pop up with incredibly important moments for the Three Lions, but Tuchel has been extremely honest about his feelings over the former Borussia Dortmund man.
Back in March, the England boss claimed that Bellingham “must be more disciplined to save energy”, while also getting into controversy when calling his behaviour “repulsive”.
Of course, Tuchel has since apologised for the latter comments, but following his absence from games against Andorra and Serbia, the door has been opened for another player to take his spot.
With Elliot now being compared to Man United legend Carrick, it is unlikely that the England plane takes off for the 2026 World Cup without him on it.