Gareth Southgate has acknowledged that England is keeping an eye on a player from Scotland, their next opponent.
Tuesday’s friendly match between the Three Lions and Hampden Park will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the oldest football rivalry.
And the rivalry may well continue as England considers luring away one of Scotland’s top players, with Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson’s status being eagerly watched.
For Eddie Howe’s team last season, Anderson had a breakout season as they brought Champions League play back to St. James’ Park.
He appeared in 27 different games across all competitions, and following a successful preseason, he has participated in three of Newcastle’s opening four Premier League games this season.
And a fight is now breaking out over Anderson’s future on the global stage. Despite being Scottish by virtue of a grandfather on his father’s side, he was born in England.
Anderson represented Scotland at the Under 16, Under 17, and Under 18 levels before switching to England in March 2021 and playing for the Under 19s against the Arsenal Under 23s.
He returned to Scotland, nevertheless, at the Under 21 level, and made his debut against Belgium on June 5, 2022.
For the most recent international break, Steve Clarke summoned him up to the senior team, but he later withdrew due to injury on Tuesday and has not yet committed to either country.
But Southgate, who supports him, said he is “doing really well” and called him a fan.
He told a press conference, according to the Daily Star, “We liked him and we do like him.”
“We believe he is a player that is performing quite well. He was obviously brought into their squad earlier in the week, and I’m not sure of his current status. I observed him being removed.
“Let’s see, John McDermott and others from our organization will be picking up on that. We really enjoy him as a player.
Although Anderson has not yet participated in a competitive international match, the Scottish Sun reports that he is having second thoughts about representing Scotland.