Elliot Anderson on sliding doors moment in England training and World Cup inspiration

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As a kid who was born in Whitley Bay, Elliot Anderson’s face immediately lit up at the very mention of Paul Gascoigne. Gazza became a national hero after Italia 90 and will always be loved as a Geordie legend for those magical moments for England.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Anderson, 23, grew up in Newcastle ’s academy with Gascoigne’s nephew Cameron and met the Toon Army hero. All these years later, Gazza is an inspiration and Anderson is less than three months away from fulfilling his own World Cup dream.

Anderson said: “He was an amazing player and such an important part of that World Cup. If I can get anywhere near that level I’d be happy.

“His nephew used to play in the same team as me at Wallsend so whenever he played he used to come and watch. And then we both joined the Academy. I was just a kid so don’t really remember what he said.”

Anderson might not remember what Gazza said but the memory is still clearly burned into his mindset. He is quiet, softly spoken as a character but Anderson is also driven and his rise for England has been nothing short of remarkable.

He was sacrificed by Newcastle who needed to sell off the family silver to meet with Profit and Sustainability Rules. But a new start at Forest has elevated him to a Premier League regular.

England boss Thomas Tuchel was watching when Anderson starred in an under-21s training session at St George’s Park when Lee Carsley suggested he drop deeper into the No6 role.

That sliding doors moment has been pivotal. Anderson often plays further forward for Forest but deeper for England as he has formed a strong partnership with Declan Rice .

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Incredibly, Anderson only has six caps - he feels like he has been playing for England for years - and made his debut last September. Now, Anderson was one of England’s 11 “untouchables” who were given last week off to recharge their batteries but are regarded as nailed-on for the squad this summer.

Of all the England players, only Rice and Morgan Rogers have played more minutes for their clubs than Anderson who has clocked up 3,427 minutes. Anderson appreciated the break. “I went away and got a bit of sun in Marbella and spent three or four days there. It was good,” said Anderson.

"Yes, I have played a lot. The gaffer spoke to us beforehand and said we’ve played a lot of games and minutes, so he wanted to give us a little bit of rest. It was good, I feel fresh.

"Yeah, it gives me good confidence. But you’re definitely never guaranteed to be called up. But hopefully if I keep going and keep doing what I’m doing, hopefully I’ll be there in the summer.”

Anderson does admit that his rise has been nothing short of meteoric. “It’s been crazy. It happened so quickly. I thought it wouldn’t have happened this quickly,” he said.

“I’m just trying to take it all in my stride and enjoy every moment. It’s really incredible to be playing with these players and I’m learning every day.”

Anderson has played a lot of minutes but is also taking care of himself. “At home I’ve sorted all my recovery stuff out. I’ve got a hyperbaric chamber, red-light sauna and stuff,” he said.

“I’ve really focused on the recovery side of things to get myself ready for the next game. I haven’t started yoga or anything like that, I’ve been focused on the recovery side really.

“I spoke to the staff at England and they helped provide me with those things to put me in the best place possible.”

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Anderson has been studying No6s - he describes Sergio Busquets as “ridiculous” - to fully learn the role but has no doubt he is ready for the World Cup.

But it could have been very different as Anderson played for Scotland - through his maternal grandmother - up to under-21 level but was convinced to switch allegiances by Carsley.

He added: “I’d always been playing for Scotland. I got injured one camp and wasn’t there and then I took a bit of time out to make my decision, and I chose England.

“Yeah, I had a meeting with Lee and it went really well. He just said I really believe in what you got and I think you can get there. Obviously I did believe in myself but hearing it from someone who works within England was nice.”