England target Elliot Anderson after injury rules Newcastle midfielder out of Scotland squad

Newcastle midfielder Elliot Anderson is back on England’s radar after injury ruled him out for Scotland this week and offered hope of switching countries.

The 20-year-old was called up by Steve Clarke this week for a Scotland senior debut in a bid to seal his international future, but he pulled out of the Euro qualifier in Cyprus and friendly against England, who have been tracking his progress as a teenager.

It is understood that Anderson has been a player of interest in the England set-up after he briefly switched countries two years ago. Having played for the Scotland age-groups, he played a game for England Under-19s before switching back.

He continued to be monitored by England as he progressed through the ranks at Newcastle and made a breakthrough last season under Eddie Howe.

After his call-up by Clarke, returning to Newcastle for treatment has opened the door of playing for the Three Lions in the future. He has been tracked by England Under-21s, who won the Euros over the summer under Lee Carsley.

Players can switch countries at youth level before making a final decision later in their careers. Even at senior level, players can change football nationalities providing they have not played four competitive games before they are 21.

Anderson was born in Whitley Bay and qualified for Scotland through a grandparent. Clarke spoke with Anderson before calling him up and revealed his delight at Anderson accepting the invitation to the seniors.

“Obviously when you get to a certain stage in your career and you can see your career is starting to take off, which Elliot’s is at Newcastle, you have to make that choice,” Clarke said at the time. “Elliot was born in England, he has got decisions to make, and we are just happy he has come down on our side.”