Elliot Anderson addressed reporters at an England press gathering prior to the match against Japan

Elliot Anderson representing Nottingham Forest and England (Image: Getty Images)

Elliot Anderson sidestepped queries regarding his Nottingham Forest prospects – while aiming to cement his spot in England’s World Cup roster.

Currently the Forest midfielder leads the race to begin for the national team in their encounter with Croatia in Arlington, Texas on June 17.

This situation stems from his impressive displays under Thomas Tuchel combined with his solid season at Forest, which has caught the interest of clubs such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Anderson’s future has been debated throughout much of his tenure at the City Ground and will inevitably become a major talking point again this summer, particularly if the 23-year-old performs well at the World Cup.

When questioned about that ‘distraction’ before tomorrow evening’s friendly with Japan at Wembley, Anderson responded cautiously: “We’ve obviously got the World Cup this summer, so all my eyes are on that and playing for England. I’ve obviously got the badge on now, so that’s what I’m thinking about at the moment.”

However, Anderson acknowledged that competing against top-tier teams while battling relegation brings ‘different emotions’. “Yeah, definitely but ultimately all the games are the same. I’m just going on the pitch and trying to give my best and fight for whatever strip I’ve got on – that’s all I’m doing.”

On Friday evening Anderson observed as Jordan Henderson and James Garner attempted to claim the No. 6 shirt from him but maintained there is only healthy rivalry within Tuchel’s squad.

“We’re all sort of competing with each other but we’re all really good mates within the group, so there’s definitely a great balance, the competitiveness is definitely there and we’re really enjoying it.

“[It’s a] Really good group of players and really important that we’re a really good group of people as well, so, I think the balance is really good at the moment. I’m really enjoying coming into camp and speaking to the lads and learning off what they do on the pitch, so it’s a really good moment.”

Anderson will next feature for Forest in their Europa League quarter-final tie against Porto on Thursday, April 9.