Newcastle United star handed international dilemma by England and Scotland

England are hoping to persuade Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson to switch his international allegiances after he earned caps at youth level with the Three Lions and Scotland.

The Whitley Bay-born youngster made a solitary England Under-19 appearance when he featured in a hastily-arranged friendly against Arsenal Under-21s at St Georges Park in March 2021. But it is with Scotland where Anderson has earned the vast majority of his international experience, featuring for the Tartan Army and Under-16, Under-17 and Under-21 level.

The 20-year-old earned his first cap for the Under-21s in their goalless draw with their Belgian counterparts in a European Championship qualifier last summer and there had been speculation the Magpies starlet could earn a maiden senior call-up if he impressed at Premier League level with the Magpies this season.

However, the form of the likes of Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes has limited Anderson to just four starts in all competitions during the campaign. There had been speculation the likes of Luton Town, Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday were keen to secure his services on a loan deal during the January transfer window but Newcastle resisted any interest to keep him at St James Park.

Anderson’s progress was discussed by Magpies manager Eddie Howe when fellow midfielder Guimaraes received a three-match suspension for the red card he was shown in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Southampton.

“The strength he has within him, we really believe in him,” explained Howe when asked if Anderson could be given a chance when Bruno Guimaraes was ruled out with a three-match suspension. “He’s got very good attributes and like all players, I think he would need a run in the team to really show his qualities but he can certainly play.”

Although Anderson only made fleeting substitute appearances against Manchester United, West Ham United and Bournemouth, and was replaced after 25 minutes of his first Premier League start against Liverpool after keeper Nick Pope was shown a red card, the midfielder is still reportedly set to be handed a decision to make at international level. The Sun have suggested England are now trying to convince him to rejoin their ranks to take his place in the Under-21 squad that will kick off their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a trip to Luxembourg in September.