Martin Keown says Elliot Anderson's England place 'nailed-on' after 'outstanding' international break for Nottingham Forest man

Martin Keown believes that Elliot Anderson's England place is "nailed-on" after his "outstanding" performances during the international break. The Nottingham Forest midfielder played a leading role in The Three Lions' victories over Andorra and Serbia. Anderson was a key player for his side last term and now looks set to be an influential figure under Forest's new manager Ange Postecoglou.

TNT Sports expert Martin Keown believes Elliot Anderson is guaranteed to feature in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad moving forward after outstanding displays against Andorra and Serbia.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder made his senior debut for The Three Lions during the international break, starring in the 2-0 triumph over Andorra before helping his side to an emphatic 5-0 win in Belgrade.

Anderson arrived at the City Ground from Newcastle in July 2024 for a reported £35 million and went on to make 42 appearances across all competitions last term, scoring two goals and producing six assists.

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Keown won 43 England caps, and he believes Anderson is now ready to strut his stuff on the international stage too.

"I thought he was outstanding [for England during the international break]," Keown said ahead of Forest's clash with Arsenal at The Emirates.

"Having to leave Newcastle the way that he did for £35 million, it was a huge bit of business for them.

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"He has got happy feet in that midfield, he is tenacious, he gets up and down.

"He is someone who has gone under the radar a bit but he played very well for England Under-21s in the Euros in the summer, so he deserves the opportunity.

"He looks like a nailed-on now in that England team."

Anderson was a part of the England Under-21 side who won Euro 2025 in the summer, starting in a 3-2 victory over Germany in the final.

The 22-year-old has already played a key role in Forest’s midfield so far this season, starting all four of their Premier League fixtures and registering an assist against Brentford.

Keown was not alone in his assessment of Anderson.

Former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch believes the midfielder has forced his way into Tuchel’s plans too.

"I do, yeah [think Anderson has played his way into the England team]," said Crouch.

"He has got all the ability and he has come through the system.

"I watched a lot of him with the Under-21s in the summer, and he is a far better player than I think he is given credit for, and I think people are starting to realise that.

"At first, he was seen as a defensive-midfield player, but he can play any kind of role."

Anderson’s main rivals for a place in the England midfield include Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Declan Rice.

However, he will also face stiff competition from Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who has impressed since arriving in south London from Blackburn Rovers.

Keown says Anderson still has room for improvement.

The Arsenal legend believes the midfielder can still add goals to his game.

"It is nice to have options," added Keown.

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"He sits in there, I really like what he has done.

"He is one of those, isn’t he? He does not play with any real thrills; he can see a pass, and he is developing.

"I think more goals would be nice from him as his career unfolds."

Competition for places in Tuchel’s squad is heating up, with next year’s FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico fast approaching.

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