There was a time not too long ago when it seemed like a rare sight to see a Newcastle United player wearing an England shirt.
But Tyneside fans had reason to smile when Anthony Gordon finished 90 minutes against Wales on Tuesday night.
For a club that was once considered an outsider in international recognition, Newcastle’s rise as an England international marks a remarkable transformation.
Currently, barring injuries, nearly six Newcastle players could be included in the squad.
Dan Byrne appears to have established himself as England’s third-choice centre-back after Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, while the likes of Tino Libramento and Lewis Hall are widely expected to receive future call-ups once they recover from their respective injuries.
But despite the current excitement, there is one player that Newcastle fans can’t help but admire from afar.
The academy midfielder left the club unwillingly and is currently playing for the England national team.
Anderson’s success with England
Elliot Anderson’s story continues to touch the hearts of many Newcastle supporters.
The 22-year-old, who was born in the North East and developed through the club’s academy, was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer as part of Newcastle’s desperate bid to stay within the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.
The deal, which would see goalkeeper Odyseas Vlahodimos move in a different direction, was described at the time as being purely financial, with neither the player nor the club intending to let him go.
Since joining Forest, Anderson has developed into one of the most complete young midfielders in the Premier League.
Last season, he played in 37 league games and recorded two goals and six assists.
Elliot Anderson – 2024/25 | |
|---|---|
Play time (minutes) | 2,728 |
the goal | 2 |
assist | 6 |
progressive carry | 52 |
progressive path | 143 |
Source:FBref | |
His combination of energy and tactical awareness quickly made him one of manager Thomas Tuchel’s most trusted players.
His rise continues on the international stage.
After moving to England from Scotland, Anderson won three senior caps and twice won the Man of the Match award in his first two games.
In England’s recent 1-0 win over Wales, he played 69 minutes before being replaced by Jordan Henderson, completing 77 passes from 92 touches (with an impressive 96% accuracy).
He also produced two key passes, won four of six ground battles, and made one interception.
Tuchel’s selection of Anderson as Declan Rice’s midfield partner has proven to be a spectacular success.
The former Newcastle player’s ability to hold onto the ball, play progressively and spot danger makes him the ideal central midfielder of the modern era.
He thrives in tight spaces, dictates the rhythm and has the acuity to add balance to Forest and England’s midfield.
For Newcastle, it’s hard not to imagine what Anderson would have looked like alongside Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali at St James’ Park.
But despite losing a gem in the short term, the club may already be cultivating its next gem.
Newcastle’s future English players
Lewis Miley, just 19 years old, is being tipped as Newcastle’s next raw star.
The central midfielder, who stands at 1.89m tall and has a market value already approaching £20m, according to Transfermarkt, combines intelligence, technique and maturity well beyond his years.
Miley made 14 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring one goal, and has now made 49 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle, including the Champions League.
His composure in possession and breadth of passing have been compared to some of England’s best midfielders. BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin even described him as “the next young British superstar”.
Despite his age, Miley is already playing at the controls of an experienced professional.
He averages 48 completed passes per 90 minutes and has a pass accuracy of 88%, which ranks among the best among his generation.
His defensive contributions are equally strong, with figures of 4.00 tackles per 90 and 1.43 blocks per 90 showing the midfielder isn’t afraid to do the dirty work.
Statistically, he’s on par with Anderson.
Anderson outperforms him in offensive metrics with 4.72 progressive passes, 1.72 progressive carries, and 2.87 shot-create actions per 90 points, but Miley’s efficiency and poise are exceptional for a teenager.
His greater passing accuracy and better defensive ability highlight why Eddie Howe sees him as a central figure in Newcastle’s long-term plans.
There have been signs of growing pains this season, at times struggling to influence games from deep.
However, senior teammates like Howe and Joelinton were quick to defend him, pointing out that the experience he is gaining will be invaluable to his development.
Summer loans to either Crystal Palace or Ipswich were considered but ultimately rejected.
Miley’s ability to combine neat passing with defensive resilience makes him the prototype of the modern English midfielder.
Like Anderson, he is comfortable playing between the lines, but provides more control and balance in possession. This could be just what England’s midfield needs in the coming years.
For Howe, the lesson is clear. If you develop your talent properly, the next generation may already be waiting in your backyard.
