Alex Scott believes England’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Croatia has sent a powerful message to the rest of Europe.
The Bournemouth midfielder made his first England start alongside close friend Elliot Anderson as Thomas Tuchel’s side produced a dominant display in the Nations League.
For Scott, the scale of the victory was more than just another result. He believes England’s performance could make future opponents approach Tuchel’s team with greater caution.
England Make Their Intentions Clear
Scott said England needed to produce performances that establish their credentials against major European opposition.
“It’s important to put these markers down and beat teams like that to scare opposition in the future,” he said.
The 23-year-old described his first international start as an occasion that could hardly have gone better, with England scoring seven times and controlling the contest from the beginning.
He also praised the attacking players in front of him, saying their quality made his job in midfield considerably easier.
Bellingham Leaves Scott In Awe
Jude Bellingham was singled out for particular praise by Scott, who described the Real Madrid midfielder as the best in the world in his position.
Scott said watching Bellingham from close range gave him an even greater appreciation of the England star’s ability.
“He’s even better in person, seeing it up close and being on the same pitch as him,” Scott said.
He added that Bellingham was “the best midfielder in the world” and one of the finest players globally, while also praising his character away from the pitch.
Gordon and England’s Attack Impress
Scott also highlighted Anthony Gordon’s pace and movement, describing the winger as a major threat when making runs behind the opposition defence.
He praised the entire front four for their performance and said their potency created favourable conditions for the midfielders behind them.
For Scott, England’s attacking display demonstrated the level of quality Tuchel now has available as the team continues to develop.
Modric Admits Croatia Were Humiliated
The scale of Croatia’s defeat was reflected in the reaction of their veteran captain Luka Modric.
The former Tottenham and Real Madrid midfielder, who turned 41 last month, described the result as the most difficult experience of his international career.
Modric admitted he felt “ashamed” after Croatia suffered the heaviest defeat in their history.
He criticised his team’s lack of aggression, cohesion and competitiveness, saying that although losing to a stronger opponent can happen, the manner of the defeat was unacceptable.
Croatia’s Historic Defeat Raises Questions
Modric said Croatia had effectively thrown away some of the reputation the national team had built over many years.
The veteran has represented Croatia for two decades and said Saturday’s result was unlike anything he had experienced with the national team.
His comments underlined the magnitude of England’s performance, with Croatia unable to mount a meaningful response as Tuchel’s players repeatedly found openings.
Scott’s Emergence Gives Tuchel Another Option
Scott’s performance could also strengthen Tuchel’s midfield options ahead of future England matches.
The Bournemouth player has now demonstrated that he can operate at international level, while his partnership with Anderson provided Tuchel with another combination to assess.
The England manager has already indicated that Scott could challenge Declan Rice for a place in central midfield over the longer term.
Tuchel Wants More Competition
Tuchel welcomed the emergence of players capable of challenging established members of his squad.
Asked whether Scott could compete with Rice for a midfield position, Tuchel made it clear that the competition was already underway.
He stressed that England could not rely on only two central midfielders and said the team needed greater variety and more options.
Tuchel nevertheless maintained that Rice remains one of the best midfielders in Europe and that his importance to England has not changed.
Rico Lewis Added Ahead of Czech Republic Clash
England’s squad has also been strengthened by the arrival of Manchester City defender Rico Lewis for Tuesday’s final match of the international break against the Czech Republic.
Lewis has not played for the senior England side since 2024 and could now have an opportunity to impress Tuchel.
The game provides another chance for players who have stepped forward during the international window to strengthen their claims for regular involvement.
England’s Competition for Places Intensifies
With established stars such as Declan Rice and Cole Palmer absent, several England players have taken advantage of the opportunity to make an impression.
Scott’s first start, combined with England’s seven-goal victory, gives Tuchel another selection decision to consider as competition for places increases.
For England, the Croatia demolition was not only a statement result but also evidence that the squad is developing greater depth ahead of more demanding challenges.
