Alex Scott facing two months out after playing through pain with England

Alex Scott has withdrawn from the England squad and could be out for two months with a thigh injury.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 during the 7-0 win over Croatia on Saturday but he felt discomfort before the game and has felt the problem worsen after playing 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 night. Thomas Tuchel will have to adjust his midfield for his side’s fourth and final game of the international break and for November’s games against Croatia and Spain.

Scott’s desire to represent his country 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 Tuchel’s replacements for Scott are James Garner and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Another solution would be to play Morgan Rogers or Jude Bellingham in a deeper position.

Tuchel, whose side are second in Nations League Group A3 and well placed to reach the quarter-finals in March, 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 has warned that the youngster’s emergence means Rice has to be aware there is competition for his place.

“Of course, and he does, we need performances like this,” the head coach 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.”