According to multiple reports, the Nottingham Forest midfielder is determined to impress Thomas Tuchel ahead of this summer's tournament. Anderson has established himself as a key player under Tuchel, making six appearances before Christmas and forming a strong partnership with Declan Rice. 'Obviously we've got the World Cup this summer so all my eyes are on that,' Anderson said in a press conference. 'Playing for England, I've got the badge on now so that's all I'm thinking about at the moment.' He added that he wants to be guaranteed a start but acknowledged he has a season left with Forest and must keep his standards high.
Anderson credited Rice for helping him settle into the England setup. 'It's a really good partnership. Since I've come in, he's made me feel comfortable, he's helped me learn on the job,' Anderson said. 'He's full of energy to help me and the relationship on the pitch is really good.' However, Rice has withdrawn from the England squad due to injury ahead of Tuesday's match against Japan, which multiple reports describe as the final chance for players to impress Tuchel before he names his World Cup squad. The severity of Rice's injury and its impact on his World Cup participation remain unclear.
Obviously we’ve got the World Cup this summer so all my eyes are on that. Playing for England, I’ve got the badge on now so that’s all I’m thinking about at the moment.
Sky Sports reported that Manchester City are interested in Anderson, as well as Yan Diomande and Eli Junior Kroupi. It is unknown whether City are genuinely pursuing a £100 million transfer for Anderson or what the status of his contract with Nottingham Forest is.
I want it that way (to be guaranteed a start). But I’ve got a season left with Forest. I’ve got plenty of games and there’s plenty of time until then. I’ve got to keep my standards high and make sure that happens.
It’s a really good partnership. Since I’ve come in, he’s made me feel comfortable, he’s helped me learn on the job. He’s full of energy to help me and the relationship on the pitch is really good. (He’s helped me) on and off the pitch.
Seeing the way he plays on the pitch, I’m trying to learn from him. Little things on the training pitch, bits of advice, putting his arm around me and just building on the relationship.