Has Forest's Anderson solved the puzzle of England's midfield balance?

Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson may only be 339 minutes into his England career but he already looks totally at home on the international stage.

His confident displays have firmly endeared himself to manager Thomas Tuchel and he has seemingly put himself in pole position to wear the previously troublesome number six shirt when the World Cup kicks off next summer.

The 22-year-old has described the step to the senior side as "tough", but so far he has passed his test with flying colours and the Reds midfielder was again instrumental against Latvia on Tuesday.

One of the standout statistics was him completing a whopping 115 passes in the opposition half, compared to just 66 made by the entire Latvia team in England's half.

Since coming into the side in September, no England player has made more forward passes than his 98.

But it is not only his progressive passing that has stood out. Tuchel has also been quick to praise his physicality and he tops England's charts for possession won and tackles made since his debut.

Another string to his bow is a fitness record of missing just one league game for Forest since signing for the club in the summer of 2024.

He was a key part of England's success at the European Under-21 Championship last year, which he feels has helped him make the step up to the senior side. "The pressure of tournament football, and having to win, has really helped me feel at home here," he said.

"I have come in here and been able to relax and do my own thing."

Harder tests than those posed by Andorra, Serbia, Wales and Latvia await, but there is optimism Anderson could be the answer to solve the puzzle of England's midfield balance that has historically caused so many issues.