Elliot Anderson appears poised to retain his spot against Serbia. England manager Thomas Tuchel dropped a major hint that the Nottingham Forest midfielder will earn his second consecutive World Cup qualifier start following his debut against Andorra on Saturday.
Tuchel was actually questioned whether experienced Jordan Henderson would be perfectly suited to the heated encounter due to his vast experience and previous appearances at the venue. However, Tuchel was telling in suggesting Henderson will have a crucial role supporting the squad and backing Anderson even if the Brentford midfielder doesn’t get the nod from the start. When quizzed if it was an evening for Henderson, Tuchel responded with a seven-word comment: “Yeah, but not only on the pitch.”
He added: “Maybe if Elliot Anderson plays again to have Jordan in the dressing room and Jordan on the training pitch and around the team, nothing has changed.
“And he is in very good shape by the way, he had a very good training week.
“Of course he will have a voice in the team. Jordan has played here, Harry Kane has played here and they have talked already about it.”
For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express transfer newsletter.
Marc Guehi has handed England a significant fitness boost ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Serbia.
Crystal Palace skipper Guehi reported a groin problem during Saturday’s victory over Andorra and required careful management on Sunday to avoid a complete training session.
But Guehi participated fully in Monday’s training before the squad departed for Serbia – and Thomas Tuchel also gave him the all-clear to feature. England manager Tuchel announced: “Everyone is available. Everyone trained. We took care of Marc on the day of the game and yesterday but everyone trained.”
In other news, England’s flight from the UK was delayed due to weather conditions, preventing the players from their usual pre-match pitch walk.
Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere, has a capacity of 51,000 but has been reduced to 42,000 as a penalty for racist incidents during a match against Andorra in June. The stadium also boasts a 73 metre-long tunnel.
Tuchel further commented: “The tunnel is not so agreeable. Of course. But that’s what it’s all about now. It’s nice.
“You’re in this country and sporting nation and emotional country, full of quality in every sport, especially in sports that could have a ball. So, so talented and that’s the beauty of it.”