Newcastle have ‘England’s next young superstar’ on their hands

There was a time not long ago when seeing a Newcastle United player in an England shirt seemed rare.

Yet on Tuesday evening, as Anthony Gordon completed 90 minutes against Wales, Tyneside supporters had reason to smile.

For a club once seen as an outsider to international recognition, Newcastle’s growing representation in the English set-up marks a remarkable transformation.

Now, barring injuries, almost half a dozen Newcastle players could find themselves in the national fold.

Dan Burn appears to have established himself as England’s third central defender behind Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi, while Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are widely expected to receive future call-ups once they recover from their respective injuries.

Yet despite all the current excitement, there is one player Newcastle fans are forced to admire from afar.

A midfielder from their academy, who left reluctantly and is now thriving in the England team.

Anderson’s successes with England

The Elliot Anderson story continues to pique many Newcastle supporters.

The 22-year-old, born in the North East and developed within the club’s academy, was sold to Nottingham Forest last summer as part of Newcastle’s desperate efforts to stay within the Premier League’s rules of profit and sustainability.

The deal, which saw goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos move, was described at the time as purely financial – neither the player nor the club wanted to part ways.

Since arriving at Forest, Anderson has developed into one of the most complete young midfielders in the Premier League.

Last season he made 37 league appearances, scoring two goals and registering six assists.

His mix of energy and tactical acumen quickly made him one of Thomas Tuchel’s most reliable players.

His rise continues on the international scene.

After switching allegiance from Scotland to England, Anderson won three senior caps, winning two man-of-the-match awards in his first two matches.

In England’s recent 1-0 win over Wales, he played 69 minutes before being replaced by Jordan Henderson, completing 77 passes (an impressive 96% accuracy) in 92 touches.

He also produced two key passes, won four of six ground duels and had an interception.

Tuchel’s use of Anderson as Rice’s midfield partner for Declan Rice proved to be a masterstroke.

The former Newcastle man’s ability to maintain possession, play progressively and read danger makes him an ideal modern central midfielder.

He thrives in tight spaces, dictates the pace and has a sharpness that has improved the balance of Forest and England’s midfield.

For Newcastle, it’s hard not to imagine what Anderson might have looked like alongside Bruno Guimarães or Sandro Tonali at St James’ Park.

But if they have lost a short-term gem, the club may well have the next one already in development within their ranks.

The future English player at Newcastle

At just 19 years old, Lewis Miley is tipped to be Newcastle’s next local star.

Measuring €1.89m with a market value already approaching £20m, according to Transfermarkt, the central midfielder combines intelligence, technique and maturity well beyond his years.

Last season, Miley made 14 Premier League appearances, scoring once, and has now played 49 times in all competitions for Newcastle, including the Champions League.

His calmness in possession and range of passing have drawn comparisons with some of England’s best midfielders. BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin went so far as to describe him as “England’s next young superstar”.

Despite her age, Miley already plays with the control of a seasoned professional.

He averages 48 completed passes per 90 minutes with a passing accuracy of 88%, ranking among the best in his age group.

His defensive contribution is just as strong – 4.00 tackles per 90 and 1.43 blocks per 90 show a midfielder who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work.

Statistically, he even compares well to Anderson.

While Anderson edges him in terms of attacking – 4.72 progressive passes, 1.72 progressive runs and 2.87 shot-creating actions per 90 – Miley’s efficiency and composure are exceptional for a teenager.

His greater passing accuracy and defensive performance underline why Eddie Howe sees him as central to Newcastle’s long-term plans.

There have been signs of growing pains this season, as he has struggled to influence deep games at times.

Yet Howe and senior teammates like Joelinton were quick to defend him, pointing out that the experience he is gaining is invaluable to his development.

A summer loan to Crystal Palace or Ipswich was considered but ultimately rejected.

Miley’s ability to combine neat passing and defensive resilience makes him the archetype of the modern English midfielder.

Like Anderson, he is comfortable playing between the lines, but he offers more control and balance in possession – something the England midfield may need in years to come.

For Howe, the lesson is clear: When you nurture talent properly, the next generation may already be waiting in your own backyard.