Elliot Anderson stays focused on England’s World Cup build-up, despite Manchester City chasing a huge transfer. Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel believes Anderson blocks out the noise, even as City prepare a third offer after bids up to 120m including add-ons are rejected by Nottingham Forest.
Tuchel accepts attention will increase if Anderson completes a move to the Etihad Stadium, especially around any record fee. Yet the Germany-born coach is confident Anderson’s mentality remains steady while England prepare for their opening World Cup match against Croatia next Wednesday.
Anderson is expected to start alongside Declan Rice during the tournament, after two outstanding Premier League seasons with Forest. The midfielder becomes one of the division’s
most sought-after players this summer, as City target reinforcements in central areas following key departures from their squad.
Forest stand firm over the valuation. The club already reject two City offers, the latest worth 120m including add-ons. Officials are thought to want a fee above Liverpool’s 125m deal for Alexander Isak in 2023, which itself exceeded the 105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Rice that same year.
Asked whether transfer speculation could affect Anderson before the World Cup, Tuchel replies: "No comment! He seems not to be affected. If that's the case, it should just push him because it's proof of what he's capable of doing and what level he can perform at. At the moment, it seems like a push for him. "
Tuchel then stresses that a switch, even for a record amount, should not change Anderson’s character. "Even ififa transfer is completed, hopefully he stays the same person. Nothing will change overnight with him. If he wakes up, he's not a new player. People will try to hang this price around his neck but, in reality, nothing changes. He just changes his club and that's the rule of the game. Hopefully he just stays the same;a humble, determined, hungry football player. "
The England boss explains Anderson’s work in training backs up that view. "I don't want to go into it too much, whether it's a boost or not a boost. What I see on the training pitch is no distractions, full commitment, that's what comes from him. "
Anderson’s figures from the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign highlight that influence. The midfielder appears in five matches, starts four, and impresses again during Wednesday’s 3-0 friendly victory against Costa Rica. Only Ezri Konsa and Dan Burn complete more passes for England during UEFA qualification.
Anderson records 432 successful passes, behind Konsa on 575 and Burn on 490, and ahead of Rice on 349 despite Rice playing all eight qualifiers. Anderson also leads England for possession regains with 43, which is 14 more than any team-mate, as Konsa finishes next best on 29.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Anderson follows major changes at the club. Pep Guardiola leaves his role, with Enzo Maresca expected to take charge. City seek midfield options after Bernardo Silva’s exit, with Silva reportedly close to joining Real Madrid on a free transfer to play under Jose Mourinho.
As England continue preparations for Croatia, Anderson’s form, fitness and mindset stay central to Tuchel’s plans. Transfer discussions between Forest and Manchester City may intensify, yet all parties currently rely on the same factor: Anderson delivering for England on the World Cup stage.
