Following England’s dominant 7-0 win against Croatia, manager Thomas Tuchel has publicly praised the performance of Alex Scott. Scott, who made his first international start in the match, is now being positioned as a significant challenger for the midfield spot currently held by Declan Rice.

Tuchel’s comments come at a time when the England squad is undergoing tactical adjustments. Declan Rice, the team's vice-captain, is currently absent from the Nations League camp due to load management concerns related to lingering neural pain in his upper hamstring, an issue that previously affected him during the World Cup. In Rice's absence, Tuchel has utilized the opportunity to experiment with his midfield configuration, pairing Scott alongside Elliot Anderson.

Tuchel emphasized that the introduction of younger players into the squad has fostered a higher level of competition for starting roles. By broadening his options, the manager aims to ensure depth in the midfield, noting that the current competition is driving the squad to perform at a higher level. While Rice remains a staple of the team, Tuchel’s remarks suggest that the established hierarchy in the midfield is no longer guaranteed, with Scott’s recent display serving as a catalyst for this shift in team dynamics.