Elliot Anderson opened up on the death of his beloved mother in the aftermath of England’s triumphant victory at the Azteca Stadium, admitting football has been his ‘escape’.
The 23-year-old lost his mother Helen following a long battle with illness just days before Nottingham Forest’s Europa League tie with FC Porto in April.
He missed that match on compassionate leave, but returned a matter of days later in the Premier League and laid a wreath on the turf of the City Ground in his mum’s honour.
Now, more than three months later, Anderson opened up on his mother’s death after England overcame a raucous atmosphere to beat Mexico 3-2 and book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Anderson told The Athletic: ‘It is (emotional). There’s a lot of stuff going on & my escape is just getting on the pitch. It frees my mind. Hopefully we can keep going.
‘Definitely (Helen would have been proud). She would have been here singing with my family and singing along with the songs at the end. But yeah, I’m proud.’
Elliot Anderson has opened up about the death of his mother, Helen, who passed away in April
Anderson played a key part in England’s victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium last night
Anderson, who is set to leave Forest for Man City in a deal worth £120million, has been a standout for the Three Lions this summer on their quest to end 60 years of hurt.
The Newcastle-born midfielder has formed a formidable partnership with Declan Rice in midfield, and defended valiantly during last night’s mammoth clash in the Mexican capital.
After weathering an early storm at the Azteca, which sits more than 2,000ft above sea level, the Three Lions went two-up thanks to a Jude Bellingham double inside the space of a couple of minutes.
The Real Madrid star, first, nodded home a Bukayo Saka cross before bundling another cross over the line just moments later.
But, from there, the Mexicans hit back. When Julian Quinones lashed home on the brink of half-time it appeared as though England may squander their lead.
However, after Jarell Quansah was sent off for a reckless challenge, Harry Kane later stepped up from the penalty spot to put Thomas Tuchel’s men 3-1 up. Raul Jimenez hit back with a penalty of his own, but England ultimately held on for a historic victory.
England will now face Erling Haaland’s Norway in Miami on Saturday night, after the Vikings knocked out Brazil.
Tuchel said after the game: ‘A heroic performance and a heroic result. I’m so happy with the players, and also for me, to live this experience in the last two days. Such a special memory, and against all the adversity it makes it very special for us.
‘If a team has heart and belief then it’s this team. They did it on pure will. No words. Iconic match, iconic stadium, we overcame so much adversity today.’
How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE.
