New England call-up and Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott says he must be ‘brave’ if he is to land a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old received his first senior call-up ahead of the Three Lions' World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania this week.
His breakthrough comes in the final international camp of the year, and with only two more before the World Cup, the timing could work in his favour, given Tuchel's focus on continuity between camps.
England are expected to play four friendlies ahead of the World Cup, with two scheduled for March and two more before the squad departs for the United States in June. However, this week represents the final opportunity to impress in competitive matches.
Scott Has Dream Come True Following His Call-Up
Alex Scott
Scott, who is comfortable in either central midfield role, is competing with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson – who is currently managing a niggle – for one of two spots.
Born in Guernsey, Scott could become just the third England international from the Channel Islands, following in the footsteps of Matt Le Tissier and Graeme Le Saux. Should he go on to make the World Cup squad, he would be the first men’s player from Guernsey to appear at a major tournament.
Scott acknowledged the significance of the opportunity, explaining he will need to show courage to catch Tuchel’s watchful eye.
“I’m over the moon,” said Scott. “It's everything I’ve dreamed of. Six years ago, I was playing non-league football for Guernsey. I wasn't even sure I was going to make it as a football player. To now be in the England senior team, it's a dream come true.
“I'm grateful for all the coaches, my family, and everyone who's helped me get to this point today. I don't think it's really sunk in yet. That's the dream for everyone, especially the players here, to be in that World Cup squad.
“I want to come in, show what I am about, and show the coaches what I can do and how I can play in an England shirt. I want to be brave and play the way I know I can play.
“It can be a daunting experience to come into the senior team for your first time, but it's important that I go out there and show the ability I have.
“I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here. The World Cup is a dream of mine, and I've just got to take it one step at a time.
“Enjoy this week. If I get the chance to play, hopefully I'll impress and show what I'm capable of. Hopefully, if I impress and show what I can do, I'd love to be on that plane in the summer.”
Phone Call From Tuchel Was Unforgettable for Scott
england boss thomas tuchel
Scott was at home, getting ready for Bournemouth training like any normal day. Then, moments later, Tuchel called the midfielder to inform and congratulate him on a maiden call-up - a conversation that made Scott feel high on life.
“It was a crazy feeling,” added the 22-year-old. “You're at home and you get the call and the nerves are through the roof. You don't know what the manager's going to say.
“You psych yourself up for it, but you don't know what's going to happen. When I got the call and he [Tuchel] told me I was going to be in the squad, it was an unbelievable feeling.
“I couldn't stop smiling. You get off the phone and you're telling your family, your friends, and they're over the moon. I'm never going to forget it.”