‘Gift from the sky’ Elliot Anderson keeps England running as Rogers makes case

Elliot Anderson sprints against Norway, a game in which he helped set up England’s equaliser. Photograph: Aubre Cyriaque/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

Elliot Anderson can be forgiven for needing additional time to recover from his exertions in the cauldron of Miami. As Manchester City’s new record signing reflected on England’s extra-time victory over Norway with his fellow Geordie, John Murray, from BBC Radio 5 Live, there was no hiding his pure exhaustion.

“It was so tough. So tough,” said Anderson, who covered 14.8km in stifling humidity – the most of any England player, beating his captain, Harry Kane, by a few hundred metres. “I was cramping up a few times [in extra time]. But the fighting spirit the lads have is amazing to be part of. The fans should be proud of the amount of fight and determination we showed.”