It appears Elliot Anderson has made his mind up once and for all.
After years of uncertainty and a tug-of-war between Scotland and England, the talented Nottingham Forest midfielder says he's committed to representing England, a decision seemingly sparked by the exhilarating experience of wearing the iconic Three Lions jersey.
Anderson's choice marks a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career - and a blow for Steve Clarke's Scotland.
The 21-year-old made his debut for the England Under-21 team in a disappointing goalless draw against Northern Ireland on Friday night, signalling the start of a new chapter.
Ironically he started the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying match in Ballymena alongside Hayden Hackney, who also previously donned a Scotland kit going through the youth ranks before choosing England last September.
Anderson's eligibility to play for Scotland, stemming from his grandmother, had seen him navigate the youth squads of the Scottish national team, earning caps up to the Under-21 level.
Clarke had actively pursued his inclusion, even calling him up for a Euro 2024 qualifying match against Cyprus and a friendly against England in August 2023.
However, he withdrew from the available pool after just one training session, citing injury and leaving fans wondering about his future.
Read more:
- Kevin Nisbet believes Steve Clarke is still best man for Scotland job
- Craig Gordon is still Scotland's best goalkeeper, says former manager
In a recent statement to reporters, Anderson shared more about the tough decision he was faced with before suggesting that his time in Scotland's colours is now behind him.
"Is it a final decision?," he commented. "Yeah. I see myself playing for England. It was tough as I'm Scottish and English. It's something that I've been trying to decide for a while, and I hope I've made the right decision.
"It is down to how you feel, that's just the most important thing. How you feel when you put the strip on that is what swayed my decision here."
Anderson joined Nottingham Forest from Newcastle United for around £35million over the summer, signing a five-year contract.
"It was tough to make that move from your boyhood club," the Whitely-Bay born starlet said as he reflected on the transfer switch.
"Ultimately, it was the club's decision and it is exciting for me personally. It is a win-win for both.
"I spoke to Eddie Howe and it was a decision between the both of us, really. We both wanted me to stay, but it is sort of, these things happen in football now. A lot of young players experience this coming through their homegrown clubs.
"It is always a little bit harder being seen as an academy graduate. Since I came to Forest I am carrying a bit more responsibility and I quite like that."
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