Anderson's Manchester City medical in New York will not rule him out against Panama

Elliot Anderson will not miss England’s World Cup 2026 group-stage finale against Panama on Saturday despite being due to undergo a Manchester City medical in New York on Friday, with the club arranging for the examination to take place in the city rather than requiring the midfielder to fly back to England.

Nottingham Forest have agreed a transfer fee with City for the 22-year-old, who has started alongside Declan Rice in both of England’s group games this summer. Journalist Fabrizio Romano reports the medical is scheduled for Friday in New York, though earlier reports suggested Thomas Tuchel would prefer it did not take place the day before a match.

Tuchel has already indicated the logistics are straightforward, telling reporters earlier in the tournament: “The doctor is ready to take any medical if needed.” City’s options include using the facilities of sister club New York City FC, flying their own medical staff to the England camp, or having England’s travelling doctor conduct the examination and forward the results to Manchester.

Neither the medical nor the agreement of personal terms is expected to present any complications for Anderson, who impressed in England’s opening 4-2 victory over Croatia before featuring in a goalless draw with Ghana.

England face Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, with a win enough to guarantee top spot in the group — provided Ghana do not simultaneously defeat Croatia by a margin large enough to overhaul England on goal difference.