Elliot Anderson Emerges as Prime Partner for Declan Rice

Alex Scott, newly added to Thomas Tuchel’s squad, prefers operating as a No 8 but is likely to be tested in a deeper No 6 role this week. The clearest contest in England’s midfield is for that holding midfield berth, and Scott’s chances of making the World Cup squad may hinge on how convincingly he performs there against Serbia and Albania.

Scott has experience in a deeper position from spells at Bournemouth and Bristol City and his underlying numbers suggest he can cope. But Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson — who has anchored the No 6 role for England since his debut in September — leads his Premier League peers in several defensive metrics: touches, forward passes, duels won, tackles and recoveries.

Excluding Declan Rice, whom Tuchel wants to push further forward, the four central-midfield options under consideration are Anderson, Scott, Jordan Henderson and Adam Wharton. On defensive measures the statistical edge goes to Anderson. Scott is close in duels won and tackles and actually outperforms Anderson for winning possession in the final third and for interceptions.

Positioning data paints a clearer picture of players’ tendencies. Henderson and Wharton appear the most naturally deep-lying; Wharton arguably fits the classic No 6 profile most closely, rarely venturing past midfield. Scott is the most mobile and expansive, roaming widely — a trait that would need to be curbed if he’s asked to perform a disciplined defensive role for England. Anderson often drifts to the left, which could create overlap with Rice, who also prefers that side.

Henderson leads the group in blocks and ranks highly for long balls and forward passes, traits Tuchel values to control tempo in internationals. Wharton’s standout attribute is his passing range and ability to unlock defences: he has created 14 chances this season, only one fewer than Anderson despite playing two fewer Premier League games.

Taken together, Anderson is the strongest defensive option on paper. Tuchel is expected to pick four or five central midfielders for the World Cup. With Rice a guaranteed starter and Henderson increasingly secure, Anderson’s international form makes him likely to be included; the remaining spot looks set to be a shootout between Wharton and Scott, though Kobbie Mainoo could still press his case as the season progresses.

Rice will function as England’s No 8, influencing both attack and defence. His midfield partner must adapt to that role, acting as a reliable playmaker while shielding the back four and being able to cover box-to-box when Rice moves forward. With only four internationals before the squad is finalised, performances in the upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania could be decisive in shaping Tuchel’s midfield choices.