Gary Lineker has expressed 'concern' about England midfielder Elliot Anderson ahead of the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, despite praising his 'brilliant' performance in the quarter-final win over Norway.
England reached the semi-finals for only the fourth time in their history after a nervy 2-1 victory over Norway in Miami on Saturday night. Norway took an early lead, but Jude Bellingham equalised just before half-time and scored the winner in extra-time. Thomas Tuchel's side now face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Wednesday for a place in the final against either France or Spain.
Lineker praises Anderson but highlights defensive concern
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: 'Elliot Anderson, he was so good. His passing, those cross-field balls. Really good first-half and he was everywhere in the game. He kept running and running for the whole 120 minutes.'
However, Lineker added: 'The one thing I would say, sometimes he can jump a little bit early. If you've got Bellingham and Declan Rice [ahead of him], sometimes we look a little bit open in front of the back-four. I think he's brilliant but it does concern you. Maybe it's because we were playing Norway and not Argentina, France or Spain.'
Richards: Anderson played out of position
Former England defender Micah Richards agreed and suggested Anderson is not playing in his best position. 'I actually think he's an eight, I don't think he's a six. He's technically too good, his passing range is so good. He's got so much energy, he can go up and down. He's that good that he always wants to be involved. He's just a brilliant player [but] he's got to be more disciplined. If you play against France and [Michael] Olise is in that No.10, you're getting hurt straight away.'
Richards continued: 'Just those little details, if he sorts them out, he can be anything he wants to be, I think he's that good. Man City signed him, he's exactly what they need: energy. But it's difficult. Rice is a runner, he's not a six, he's an eight. Jude is an eight or a 10, and Anderson is an eight, so that's why some people are talking about Kobbie Mainoo [playing] but he [Tuchel] doesn't fancy him.'
England's path to the final
England's performance against Norway was largely lacklustre despite Anderson's standout display. The Three Lions will need to improve against Argentina, who boast Lionel Messi in what could be his final World Cup appearance. The winner of Wednesday's semi-final will face either France or Spain in the final.
