Elliot Anderson has come a long way from his days at Wallsend Boys Club. Now a key figure in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and a regular for Nottingham Forest, the 23-year-old midfielder recalls his journey from a shy youngster to a leader on and off the pitch.
In a candid interview with Kelly Somers for the BBC’s Football Interview series, Anderson discusses his first England call-up, proving himself to teammates, and growing into a leadership role.
Early Days at Wallsend
Anderson’s love for football started at home, inspired by his two older brothers and his father. “There were footballs everywhere, and we would just play all day,” he says. At age four or five, he joined his brothers for a training session and soon after tried out for Wallsend Boys Club, a renowned nursery for talent in Newcastle.
“It’s a great boys’ club. Everyone wants to be in academies at Newcastle, but the boys’ club to get to was Wallsend,” he says. Making the squad through trials was a proud moment.
The Newcastle Academy
From Wallsend, Anderson moved to Newcastle United’s academy at under-nine level. “It was every kid’s dream in Newcastle to play for Newcastle, so I loved it,” he recalls. Progressing through the age groups, signing his first professional contract, and pulling on the black-and-white shirt were unforgettable milestones.
But it wasn’t until age 15 or 16 that he truly believed he could make it. “You get an inkling that you could possibly go all the way,” he says.
The Turning Point
Anderson credits his move from boyhood club Newcastle to Nottingham Forest as the turning point in his career. “I came out of my comfort zone… I look at where I am now and I’m really happy that I made that move.” The faith shown by Forest gave him a platform to perform weekly, boosting his confidence.
“Last season, I was quite shy, and now I feel a bit more like a leader in the group. It’s a really nice responsibility, and I’m enjoying it,” he says. When asked what changed, he points to his performances. “Sometimes when you’re a new player, you keep opinions to yourself. Now I feel like I’ve got a voice.”
England and World Cup Hopes
Anderson has become a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s setup, starting six of England’s last eight games. He was also named in the tournament’s best XI after England won the European Under-21 Championship last summer. With the World Cup on the horizon, Anderson is poised to play a leading role.
Despite Forest’s relegation battle under four different managers this season, Anderson remains focused. The full interview airs on BBC One on Saturday, 2 May.