But for fans of the [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/?ref=au), and the local media, it is not a surprise. Now, Scott has a golden opportunity to break his way into contention for the squad for next summer's World Cup.
He has been superb for Bournemouth this season – and he is set to be tested on the international stage as a number eight for the Three Lions, England boss Thomas Tuchel has said.
He has been brilliant alongside Tyler Adams, the pair dovetailing excellently, with the American doing what he does best as the engine room and allowing Scott to flourish.
Yeremy Pino of Crystal Palace and Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth _(Image: Keith Gillard)_
The defensive side of Scott’s game has come on leaps and bounds even just this season, and the way he is used in the Cherries system sees him play a big part in the Bournemouth press.
This could be a way for Scott to get his way into the England squad for the World Cup next season.
His partnership with Elliot Anderson, someone that Thomas Tuchel is a fan of, is already proven on the international stage, albeit at U21 level, with the pair lining up in the centre of midfield as Lee Carsley’s Young Lions won the Euros last summer.
Anderson has started four games for England this season, and while Declan Rice is among the first names on the team sheet, Tuchel will need more options to provide depth.
Antoine Semenyo and Alex Scott. _(Image: Richard Crease)_
Scott’s inclusion this international break gives him the opportunity to force himself firmly into the German boss’s thoughts for the final squad.
With England already qualified for the finals, it also gives Tuchel an opportunity to experiment.
He has a wealth of top, young midfielders in Anderson, Scott and Adam Wharton, all of whom are included in the squad for the qualifiers vs Serbia and Albania.
Jordan Henderson has also been included in recent squads, and it looks like Tuchel likes the Brentford midfielder as some experience in the group.
I think the trio of Scott, Anderson and Wharton are the perfect blend of young midfielders to complement Rice and Henderson in the next couple of squads and potentially into the tournament next summer.
Alex Scott celebrates his goal. _(Image: Richard Crease)_
He should give Scott and Wharton a run this break, to have a look at how they settle in the side and fit in, and if that goes well, and their form continues at their respective clubs, they should be selected in March.
If he does manage to earn back-to-back call ups for England, he will be well placed to be on the plane.
Scott’s much improved defensive attributes, plus his good footwork and passing range, means he should be able to flourish in Tuchel’s system with the Three Lions - and it has, and will continue to, give the German something to think about in midfield.
With Scott’s inclusion, there is a realistic prospect now that he is firmly in the running for next summer – and I think he is just the type of midfielder Tuchel should take to the States.