Alex Scott has withdrawn from the England squad and could be out for two months with a thigh injury. The Bournemouth midfielder excelled on his full debut in England’s 7-0 win over Croatia on Saturday, but he felt discomfort before the game and the problem worsened after he played through the pain.
Bournemouth are unlikely to be delighted with how the situation has been handled, but Scott was determined to take his opportunity. He impressed alongside Elliot Anderson in Rijeka and was expected to be handed another start when England host Czechia in the Nations League on Tuesday before his withdrawal. Thomas Tuchel will now have to adjust his midfield for his side’s fourth and final game of the international break, as well as for November’s games against Croatia and Spain.
Scott’s desire to represent England was underlined by his decision to stay with the squad after the death of his grandfather. Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo withdrew at the start of the camp, meaning Scott’s replacements are James Garner and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Another option would be to play Morgan Rogers or Jude Bellingham in a deeper position. Ezri Konsa, who started in central defence against Croatia, has also withdrawn and will return to Arsenal for assessment, with Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah potential partners for Marc Guéhi.
Tuchel was delighted with Scott’s level against Croatia. The 23-year-old, who remains a key target for Chelsea, pushed on after a substitute appearance during last week’s win over Czechia in Prague. Tuchel warned that Scott’s emergence means Rice has to be aware there is competition for his place, saying England cannot survive on two central midfielders and need more variety and options. He added that Rice remains one of the best midfielders in Europe and that his importance is unchanged, while Scott was at the highest level.
England are second in Nations League Group A3 and well placed to reach the quarter-finals in March. Scott’s injury and Konsa’s withdrawal leave Tuchel managing a reduced squad for the final match of the break.