Tuchel says Alex Scott’s emergence creates 'high level' competition for Declan Rice
On 4 October 2026, England head coach Thomas Tuchel said Alex Scott's emergence provides Declan Rice with fresh competition after Scott produced an outstanding first international start in England's 7-0 Nations League victory away to Croatia.
Rice withdrew from the England camp because of load management after struggling with neural pain in his upper hamstring during the World Cup, and Tuchel said the vice-captain’s absence at the start of the Nations League campaign has allowed him to broaden midfield options alongside Elliot Anderson. Tuchel has added youth to the squad and overseen selection battles, notably between Myles Lewis-Skelly and Alex Scott over the past fortnight. Lewis-Skelly started in the 3-2 defeat by Spain and the 2-0 win against Czechia, but Tuchel said Scott’s recent displays have pushed the competition further.
Scott’s start in Croatia was his second cap after he impressed when introduced against Czechia in Prague, and Tuchel praised a performance described as energetic, quick and technically assured both on and off the ball. Partnering Anderson, Scott helped England dominate against the experience of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic in midfield. Tuchel said the pair benefited from having played together previously under Lee Carsley’s under-21 side when they won the European Championship last year.
Tuchel framed Scott’s emergence as part of a deliberate need for depth in central midfield: “Of course, and he does, we need performances like this,” he said. “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.” Tuchel also noted that Rice, who has helped England reach two major finals, remains part of his best XI.
Scott spoke about his understanding with Anderson: “We work really well together,” he said. “We saw that last year at the Euros and we’ve been speaking about it ever since, playing this midfield together. “I love playing with Elliot. He makes life so easy for me. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world. We bounce off each other very well. We like getting on the ball, aggressive off the ball, we suit each other. Playing next to him is great and I know he enjoys it as well.” Tuchel added: “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.”
Club interest in Scott last summer drew significant attention: Bournemouth were determined not to lose him, Arsenal asked about the former Bristol City player’s availability, Manchester United were interested and Chelsea had multiple bids rejected. Tuchel described Scott as one of the best midfielders in England and the article notes that not taking him to the World Cup was viewed as a mistake. England lacked cover for Anderson and Rice, who made 69 appearances for club and country last season; Tuchel gave no minutes to Kobbie Mainoo at the tournament and Jordan Henderson suffered a broken wrist during celebrations after the last-16 win against Mexico. Scott rejected sulking over his World Cup omission and said: “It gave me more hunger but there’s so many top players for this country. “There was no bad feelings about not going to the World Cup. I went to the prep camp, I wanted to learn as much as I can and it helped me coming into this camp.”
England’s 7-0 win in Croatia leaves them second in their Nations League group, three points behind Spain and positioned to reach the quarter-finals in March. They end this extended international break with a home match against Czechia, for which Tuchel has added Manchester City full-back Rico Lewis to the senior squad.