Who is Elliot Anderson? The Newcastle United prospect called up by England under the noses of Scotland

Elliot Anderson has been called up for the England under-19s training camp next week. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The Young Lions were originally set to play under-19 European Championship qualifying matches but all of UEFA’s youth tournaments have been cancelled.

Head coach Ian Foster will instead host a five-day training camp – giving him the perfect opportunity to assess Anderson, who has previously represented Scotland at youth level.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 18-year-old and his England and Scotland background:

How has Anderson been called up to England’s under-19s squad?

Anderson, born in Whitley Bay, has been capped by Scotland at under-16s to under-18s level, however no fixtures or training camps have been arranged for the upcoming international break.

Because England are staging a training camp only, Anderson is eligible to join up with Foster’s squad, despite his international registration with Scotland.

Anderson can decide to switch allegiance from Scotland to England as long as he doesn’t represent the former in a senior competitive fixture.

How does Anderson qualify to play for Scotland?

Anderson qualifies for Scotland through his grandmother and received his first youth cap aged 15.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke could have called up Anderson to the senior squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers later this month, though opted against the move.

This is how England were able to step in and invite Anderson to St George’s Park under the noses of the Tartan Army.

What is Anderson style at Newcastle United?

Anderson plays primarily as a number 10 – and has done so successfully for United’s youth sides – but can also drop into a deeper midfield position.

The teenager is never happier than when the ball is at his feet. A player with a keen eye for goal but who also has the ability to beat a man, or two.

He has also shown he can lead by example having captained the under-23s this season.

What has been said about Anderson in the past?

Speaking to the Gazette in November, Anderson’s former Wallsend Boys Club coach John Forrest, revealed: “What I remember about Elliot is that even at a very young age, you could see that he was a really good player, had real potential.

“He had a game awareness, even at a young age, that you could see. It’s very difficult to coach that awareness into players. He had this great ability to pop up in the box and score goals.

"He loved to win a tackle, to win the ball. You could see he had that slight edge, which you need, I think. He was a great all-round player, even at that young age.”

What is Anderson’s current situation at Newcastle United?

Since first being included in Steve Bruce’s matchday for the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace last year, Anderson has made two first-team appearances – twice coming off the bench at Arsenal in the FA Cup and Premier League.

Bruce has opted against selecting Anderson in recent weeks due to the club’s precarious position in the Premier League table, but insists he has a big future with the Magpies.

He is extremely highly-rated by those behind the scenes at St James’s Park, hence why he was recently awarded a new long-term contract.

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