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Alex Scott’s first senior start for England has turned into a costly gamble, with reports indicating the Bournemouth midfielder could be sidelined for up to two months. Scott impressed during the Three Lions’ 7-0 demolition of Croatia on Saturday, but he carried a knock into the contest, and the decision to play him through it now looks set to backfire badly.
Injury Setback Clouds a Standout Debut
talkSPORT reports that Scott’s injury could keep him out until December, a severe blow for Bournemouth as they navigate a difficult opening to the campaign. The south coast club remain winless after five Premier League fixtures this season. Their Europa League form has offered some relief, with a win to open that campaign, but domestic results have been poor.
Scott has withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the final fixture of this international break, a clash against Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday night. He made his senior debut in Prague last midweek, helping England to a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture against the same opponent.
Tuchel’s High Praise for Scott
Thomas Tuchel has been effusive about Scott since handing him his call-up, and after the Croatia rout, the former Chelsea boss suggested the young midfielder could push Declan Rice for a regular spot in the middle of the pitch.
“Of course, and he does, we need performances like this. This is just the nature of it. We will not survive on two central midfielders. The more the better, and it’s always about the guys who are in camp.”
“Declan knows about his importance, and he’s one of the very best midfielders in Europe. Nothing will change that. But it’s exactly what we need.”
“We need more, more, more, more variety. We need more, more, more options. Then it’s always about the guys who are in camp. Alex was in the highest level.”
“I guess it helps. Not only as players but even in their character. They’re a good mix and match.”
“Alex had a fantastic match, and we need to be strong in the middle of the pitch. I’m very happy with the level that Alex trained at.”
What This Means for England’s Nations League Push
The injury will likely rule Scott out of the entire November international break, a period in which England aim to wrap up their Nations League group campaign. They host Croatia again at Wembley before traveling to face reigning world champions Spain. Two quarter-final spots remain up for grabs in the group, with those ties scheduled for next year.
Losing Scott for an extended stretch strips Tuchel of a midfielder who had already shown he belongs at this level. Bournemouth face an even tougher task, needing to find results without him while sitting winless through five league rounds.
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Stay with TipsGG for continued coverage of England’s Nations League campaign and the latest on Scott’s recovery timeline.