Lineker Flags Anderson's Discipline Issue Ahead of Argentina Test

England's midfield enforcer Elliot Anderson has caught the eye this summer, but Gary Lineker reckons there's a potential vulnerability that could prove costly when the Three Lions face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.

The Manchester City midfielder was instrumental in England's extra-time victory over Norway, which secured a last-four berth following Argentina's quarter-final win against Switzerland. While Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have hogged the headlines as England's standout performers, Anderson has quietly gone about his business in the engine room, providing the graft necessary to keep the side ticking.

Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker lavished praise on Anderson's technical quality and tireless running during the 120-minute encounter. "His passing, those cross-field balls were really good," the former England striker noted. Yet there's a caveat: Anderson occasionally rushes into challenges, leaving gaps in front of the back four when operating alongside Bellingham and Rice.

"The one thing I would say, sometimes he can jump a little bit early," Lineker explained. "If you've got Bellingham and Declan Rice ahead of him, sometimes we look a little bit open in front of the back-four. I think he's brilliant but it does concern you. Maybe it's because we were playing Norway and not Argentina, France or Spain."

Micah Richards has sided with Lineker's assessment, arguing that Anderson must tighten his positioning to avoid being exploited by more dangerous opponents. Richards believes Anderson is better suited to an attacking midfield role rather than a deeper responsibility, given his technical prowess and energy levels.

"He's got to be more disciplined," Richards said. "If you play against France and Michael Olise is in that No.10, you're getting hurt straight away."

The pundit highlighted a broader selection dilemma, noting that Rice and Bellingham also prefer advancing roles, potentially creating defensive vulnerability. While Anderson possesses elite quality, Richards suggested that sorting out these "little details" could elevate him further still—exactly the kind of midfielder Manchester City have been seeking.