THOMAS TUCHEL expects Elliot Anderson’s blockbuster move to Manchester City to be wrapped up before England’s next game at the World Cup.
Anderson, who is on the verge of a £116million switch to the FA Cup holders, shone in midfield in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey.
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Elliot Anderson is a target for Manchester City Credit: Alamy
Thomas Tuchel expects the move to be completed before Wednesday Credit: Getty
It saw the Three Lions finish top of their group, setting up a last-32 clash in Atlanta.
Tuchel said: “I think there is a very high chance that the thing is sorted before the round of 32.”
Anderson, 23, only made his England debut in September last year but has quickly become the beating heart of Tuchel’s midfield.
Against Panama, Tuchel played him as the sole anchorman with Morgan Rogers and man-of-the-match Jude Bellingham ahead of him.
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Anderson grew into the game and impressed his manager, just as he has throughout their time working together.
Tuchel said: “It’s very impressive the way he trains and plays and carries himself.
“He’s still young and still quite new to our national team, but he just plays like he owns the place!
“I think he grew into the tournament after a difficult start against Croatia. He gets better and better. It’s good to have him.”
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England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought.
But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance.
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There had been talk Anderson was struggling muscle tightness ahead of Panama but Tuchel insists the Geordie has no fitness worries.
The Three Lions boss added: “There are no concerns (regarding his fitness), he gave the green light, the medical gave the green light and he is without any concerns at the moment.”
England beat a stubborn Panama thanks to clinical finishes in the second half from star men Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Kane’s bullet header saw him reach 11 World Cup goals, breaking Gary Lineker’s record.
It was also, remarkably, his SEVENTIETH strike for club and country this season.
Tuchel admitted after the game that he was not even aware of his star striker smashing another record but was delighted to discover that he had.
The ex-Chelsea chief said: “Everyone is very happy for Harry because he is a fantastic team-mate and that makes him very special, he is loved by everyone, respected by everyone.
“I’m not even aware of all these records. I go to the interviews and you tell me! it is fantastic he has the chance to break the record in the World Cup.
“Harry is in an amazing state of mind, he is hungry to go all the way in this World Cup, he is not satisfied which shows the hunger and determination.”
Bellingham picked up his second man-of-the-match award of the tournament, having scooped the gong against Ghana too.
Kane said the Real Madrid superstar has “had the bit between his teeth” ever since the England squad met up in Florida for their pre-tournament warm-up camp at the start of this month.
Yet it was not long ago that whether Bellingham would even start was in doubt, given his injury issues for Real and the emergence of Morgan Rogers.
Asked if keeping Bellingham on his toes regarding his selection had brought the best out of the 22-year-old, Tuchel replied: “I don’t know, you would have to ask Jude.
“He is just in a sweet spot after his injury, he is just happy to play again, he feels free.
“He can put up these kind of intensities and we take care of him after 60-70 minutes.
“We saw in the last months he did not produce these intensities in his club. He is a key player.
Harry Kane has heaped praise on Jude Bellingham Credit: AP
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“We will also push Morgan.
“They can play with each other and are a threat to any opponent.”
