England midfielder Elliot Anderson has spoken about the profound emotional impact of his mother's death, which occurred shortly before the team's successful World Cup campaign.
Anderson, 23, lost his mother, Helen, in April after a prolonged illness. Her passing came just days before Nottingham Forest's Europa League match against FC Porto. He took compassionate leave for that fixture but returned to Premier League action within days, honoring his mother by laying a wreath on the pitch at the City Ground.
More than three months later, and following England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Azteca Stadium to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, Anderson shared his feelings. "It is (emotional)," he told The Athletic. "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."
He added that he believes his mother would have been proud of his World Cup performances. "Definitely (Helen would have been proud)," Anderson said. "She would have been here singing with my family and singing along with the songs at the end. But yeah, I'm proud."
Anderson, who is reportedly set to transfer from Forest to Manchester City in a deal valued at £120 million, has been a significant player for England during the tournament. He has formed a strong midfield partnership with Declan Rice and was instrumental in the team's defensive efforts during the challenging match against Mexico.
England secured their place in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought match in Mexico City. Goals from Jude Bellingham, including a brace, and a penalty from Harry Kane, secured the victory despite Mexico's efforts to come back. The team overcame early pressure and a sending off of Jarell Quansah to secure the win.
England is scheduled to play Norway in Miami next, after Norway's victory over Brazil. Manager Thomas Tuchel described the win against Mexico as "heroic," praising his team's heart and belief in overcoming adversity in an "iconic match" at an "iconic stadium."
