Gareth Southgate admits England are keeping tabs on Scotland star who switched allegiance twice

Gareth Southgate has admitted England are keeping tabs on a player from next opponents Scotland.

The Three Lions travel to Hampden Park on Tuesday for a friendly fixture to mark the 150th anniversary of the oldest rivalry in football.

And the feud may well continue as England could quite poach one of Scotland's top talents, with the situation of Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson being closely monitored.

Anderson experienced a breakthrough campaign for Eddie Howe's side last season as they brought Champions League football back to St James' Park.

He figured 27 times in all competitions and after a strong pre-season campaign, has played in three out of Newcastle's first four fixtures in the Premier League this term.

And a tug-of-war is now ensuing over Anderson's international future. He was born in England but qualifies for Scotland through a grandparent on his father's side.

Image: Getty

At Under 16, Under 17 and Under 18 level, Anderson represented Scotland but then switched to England in March 2021 and featured in a game for the Under 19's against Arsenal Under 23's.

However, he then went back to Scotland at Under 21 level and made his debut on 5 June 2022 against Belgium.

Steve Clarke called him up to the senior squad for the latest international break but he subsequently pulled out through injury on Tuesday and has not yet committed either country.

Image: Getty

But Southgate is a fan and described him as someone who is "doing really well".

"We liked him and we do like him," he said in a presser, as per the Daily Star.

"We think he’s a player that’s doing really well. Obviously, he was called into their squad earlier in the week and I don’t know what the position is at the moment. I saw he’s pulled out.

“Let’s see, that’s something that John McDermott and others at our organisation will be picking up. He’s definitely a player we like."

Anderson is yet to play a competitive game internationally but the Scottish Sun say he is having second thoughts about playing for Scotland.

Topics: Gareth Southgate, Newcastle United, Premier League, England, Scotland

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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