ELLIOT ANDERSON READY FOR MANCHESTER CITY DEBUT AFTER WORLD CUP

Elliot Anderson has stated that England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina continues to affect him, but that he intends to draw confidence from his tournament performances as he begins his Manchester City career. The midfielder is expected to make his debut when City face Arsenal in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday. Anderson said he is using the experience of playing at World Cup level to move forward after the loss to Argentina.

Anderson joined City from Nottingham Forest in a transfer that was briefly a British player record at £116m, though Morgan Rogers's subsequent £117m move to Chelsea later exceeded that fee. The 23-year-old has yet to feature for City under head coach Enzo Maresca due to his extended World Cup involvement with England. Barcelona made a £51m bid for midfielder Rodri on Wednesday, and Anderson is likely to assume a significant midfield role should the Spanish club succeed in signing the Ballon d'Or winner.

Anderson stated that he can fulfil various functions within midfield, including creating chances, driving forward, or operating in a defensive capacity as required. He described City as "such a huge club" and said he welcomed the opportunity to prove himself daily alongside world-class players. Anderson noted that Kevin De Bruyne had been a player he admired over the preceding decade.