Debutant Scott reflects on childhood dream come true

Alex Scott says it was a ‘massive honour’ to fulfil his childhood dream of playing for England after making his debut in the 2-0 UEFA Nations League victory over Czechia.

The midfielder was introduced as a 70th minute substitute in the Fortuna Arena in Prague, where goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane secured all three points for Thomas Tuchel’s side. 

“[I’m] really happy,” Scott said after becoming the 1301st player to represent the men’s senior team.

“[It’s] something you dream of as a kid and when you are young you don’t ever think it is going to be a reality. A lot of hard work has gone into that and I’m grateful for the opportunity. 

“You grow up watching. Some of these lads in here, I was a kid watching them play in tournaments and for their country. Now to be part of the squad and in the team as well is a massive honour.”

Scott, who was capped throughout the England youth age groups, has had to be patient in the senior set-up.

He received his first call-up for the final two World Cup qualifiers of 2025, after impressing Thomas Tuchel with his performances for Bournemouth, and was one of four young players invited to travel to the Three Lions' preparation camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The midfielder is grateful for the journey he has been on under the guidance of Tuchel and feels he has been rewarded with his debut at the right time. 

“I have [had to be patient], but that’s all part of it,” he added.

“I’ve learnt a lot. I think in my first camp last November, I probably wasn’t ready to play. I felt it was a massive step for me, but I learnt a lot off the pitch, on the pitch in training and I felt more ready in the summer and definitely ready now. 

“It’s been hard work and I’m really grateful to the staff and the coach for putting me on. 

“I think I did OK. They had 10 men so it was a different game. We had a lot of the ball which suits me, so I enjoyed it. There was a bit of everything, dribbling, passing and getting stuck in off the ball. 

“It was a great game for me and I enjoyed it.”