Former Newcastle United caretaker boss, Steve Clarke has released his latest Scotland squad for the upcoming Euro 2024. Newcastle’s youngster Elliot Anderson is missing from the squad amid rumours that England want him to change allegiances.
Newcastle’s ‘classy‘ 20-year-old midfielder has represented Scotland at youth level from Under 16 to Under 21 but has yet to receive a call-up to the senior side, which leaves him open to being able to change the country he represents at international level.
Anderson was born in England but is eligible to represent Scotland through his Scottish grandmother.
Anderson faces the choice between England and Scotland
Recently, with his stellar performances for Bristol Rovers which earned him the moniker “Geordie Maradona” and breaking into Eddie Howe‘s first team plans, it’s understood that England could be about to ask the Whitley Bay native to turn his back on Scotland and join the England set-up.
While we can’t be sure if Anderson was even in Clarke‘s plans for a senior call-up, the fact that he’s not been selected this time leaves that door open for England.
It will be interesting to see where Anderson’s allegiances lie after spending so many years in the Scottish set-up, could he now be contemplating leaving that behind to represent the country of his birth.
With no disrespect meant to Scotland here, it would probably be easier for a player to force their way into the Scottish senior side than that of England. Trying to displace the likes of Jude Bellingham versus Scott McTominay, which one seems more attainable?
He has the raw ability to be an England star
Newcastle fans are still waiting to see Anderson get a good run in the first-team for his boyhood club following all the high praise he received following his time at Bristol. We’ve so far only seen cameos from him and they’ve been a mixed bag to be fair.
We can see the potential there, and the comparisons to Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne may be premature but not unfounded. If he was to get a run of a few games under his belt to build up his confidence to match his raw talent then there’s no reason he couldn’t find himself in Gareth Southgate (or whomever)’s plans.