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Why Thomas Tuchel’s Alex Scott call raises fair England questions
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- Why Thomas Tuchel’s Alex Scott call raises fair England questions
Photo by Bradley Collyer - Pool/Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel's consideration of handing Alex Scott his senior England debut ahead of the World Cup has raised eyebrows, and not without reason.
The Bournemouth midfielder has certainly done enough to put himself in the England conversation. But there is a difference between earning attention and being the right fit for a final warm-up game.
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That is the balance Tuchel has to strike. Scott can be a long-term option for England, even if he is not the best use of minutes right now.
Alex Scott has earned England attention
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Scott is a 22-year-old Bournemouth midfielder, and his profile makes sense for England. He is young, Premier League tested, and under contract long enough for Bournemouth to build around him.
His season also gives Tuchel a football reason to look closer. Scott made 37 Premier League appearances, scored three goals, produced one assist and played 2,859 minutes in 2025-26.
That is not a token sample. It is a full top-flight season, with enough defensive work and passing volume to explain why a national manager would want a better look.
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Tuchel still has to prioritise his World Cup squad
The problem is timing. Tuchel has been questioned over the possibility of using Scott despite the midfielder not being in England's final 26-man World Cup squad.
That matters because England are not in a regular international window. They face New Zealand before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.
At this stage, minutes should serve rhythm, clarity and partnerships. It is fair to ask why those minutes would go to a player outside the tournament group.
Scott's England future looks credible. But Tuchel's immediate job is not talent spotting. It is preparing the players he has already chosen.
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