One month, two record transfers - why English midfielders are in demand

One month, two record transfers - why English midfielders are in demandImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Elliot Anderson started seven matches for England at the World Cup while Morgan Rogers started three games and appeared four times off the benchByJess AndersonBBC Sport journalistPublished2 minutes agoIn the space of one month, England duo Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers have each broken the record for being the most expensive British player of all-time.Anderson's £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City came before Chelsea signed Rogers for £117m from Aston Villa.Both are English midfielders, both are operating at a high level. Both are just 23 - in theory, years from their peak.So why are England so strong in this area? Why have the pair been sold for such high fees?And with Adam Wharton and Alex Scott among those also attracting attention, what is it about English midfielders that makes them so sought after?Anderson and Rogers in form At such a relatively young age, both Rogers and Anderson offer the prospect of potential as well as being ready-made Premier League players.Anderson arrives in Manchester having enjoyed a remarkable domestic campaign and impressed on the world stage, starting all but one of England's eight matches as they finished third at the World Cup.The central midfielder was a real engine for the Three Lions and proved City right to spend big to bring him in.For Forest last season, he was a bright spark in a tough campaign, spent mostly fighting relegation.He recorded 3,300 touches in the top flight last season, more than any other player, and led the division for duels won (297), possessions won (306) and fouls won (80).He also topped the charts for most passes completed as a central midfielder (2,038) and led the position with 376 line-breaking passes.His four goals and four assists along with creating 54 chances, including nine big chances, highlight his proficiency at both ends of the pitch.Meanwhile, Roger...