Anderson names Declan Rice as his biggest inspiration ahead of England's World Cup clash with Ghana

Elliot Anderson has named Declan Rice as the teammate he learns from most, as the Nottingham Forest midfielder prepares to win his 11th England cap against Ghana in Boston on Tuesday in the sides’ second World Cup group game.

Anderson made his World Cup debut in England’s 4-2 opening victory over Croatia last week, playing alongside Rice in Thomas Tuchel’s midfield. The 23-year-old was candid about how much he studies his partner’s game.

“I’m going to say Dec,” Anderson told ITV. “I think just watching Dec all season, playing in an England shirt. Although I’m playing alongside him, and we’ve got slightly different roles, I just think I love him as a player and I like to watch him and take things from his game. He’s been unbelievable this season for Arsenal. He’s someone I look up to.”

Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105m in 2023 — a fee that made him the most expensive English player at the time — is appearing in his fourth major international tournament.

Anderson himself has been the subject of considerable transfer speculation. Manchester City reportedly had a £120m bid for the midfielder rejected earlier this month. Should City return with a higher offer, it would eclipse the record fee paid for Rice.

Describing his role in Tuchel’s system, Anderson outlined a focus on control and forward distribution. “I’d like to say getting on the ball and giving the team control, and then getting our attacking players on the ball really, moving the ball forward,” he said. “We want to play exciting football, we want the fans to watch and be on the edge of their seat and my job is to get the ball to the attackers and let them do their stuff.”

Looking ahead to the Ghana fixture, Anderson indicated that Tuchel has challenged the squad to be cleaner in possession and show more of their technical quality. “I think just being tidy on the ball, showing more of what we can do on the ball,” he added. “We’re a very athletic side and we’ll give them a really tough match, but just being tidy with the ball and being more clean.”