Elliot Anderson reveals the truth behind his decision to pull out of Scotland duty last year – with newly called-up England star admitting it wasn’t due to injury as reported

Elliot Anderson has revealed that he made a sharp exit from a Scotland squad to face England because he needed more time to think – and not because he was injured.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder could now make his Three Lions debut against Andorra on Saturday night after being called up by Thomas Tuchel.

But Anderson, who was born in Whitley Bay and has a Scottish grandmother, was on the verge of playing against England 12 months ago.

He had been selected by Steve Clarke for matches against Cyprus and England. At the time, it was reported that he subsequently withdrew from the squad because of injury.

But speaking at St George’s Park, Anderson disclosed the real reason for pulling out. ‘I went away with the Scotland team and I left camp after a few days and decided I just needed more time to make my decision really,’ he explained.

‘I didn’t want to dive into anything so I’m really thankful I’ve done that now.’

Elliot Anderson could make his England debut on Saturday, 12 months on from withdrawing from the Scotland squad because he needed more time to decide his international future

The midfielder earned his England call-up following his impressive for Nottingham Forest

Anderson, who left Newcastle to join Forest last year for around £35m in a PSR-triggered sale, represented Scotland from Under 16s to Under 18s and made one appearance for their Under 21s before playing 12 times for England’s Under 21 and playing a key role in the summer’s Euros success.

But he says he has no doubts about his nationality. 

‘I’m definitely English,’ he said. 

‘That’s where I see myself. It’s just I hadn’t really been called up to England throughout the ages when I was younger so I thought I’d take the opportunity to play. Once I got that belief that I thought I was good enough to play for England it hit me, and I focused on England.’