Declan Rice would have been watchng from afar as England came out as 7-0 away winners against Croatia on Saturday
Arsenal's Declan Rice during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC.
Declan Rice has been handed more competition in England's midfield. (Image: Silvina Brodersohn - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been a key player for England in recent times. It showed during the World Cup, where he was played through injury to help the Three Lions to a third-place finish in America.
That could have been a contributing factor to him pulling out of the squad for the current international break, as England kicked off their Nations League campaign. As reported by football.london, he withdrew from selection due to concerns over load management.
That didn’t stop him from showing support to his international teammates earlier in the break, with Rice making an appearance at Wembley Stadium for the 3-2 loss against Spain.
He is likely to have been watching from home as England took on Croatia away in their latest Nations League clash on Saturday. The match saw Alex Scott make his debut in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham.
It was a memorable performance from Thomas Tuchel’s side, who came out as 7-0 winners, thanks to goals from Harry Kane (x2), Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka (x2) and Morgan Rogers.
There was widespread praise for the performance, with Scott one of the players being picked out. He was involved in the moves for England's first and fifth goals of the night as he outshone both Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric in the Croatia midfield.
Alex Scott with Mateo Kovacic during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Croatia and England.
Alex Scott impressed with his performance for England vs Croatia. (Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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He certainly made a case to be in the starting lineup more often, as he eyes a place in the team for the Euros in just under two years. With Rice unavailable, Scott could be given the chance to shine again when England take on Czechia at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.
It’s a situation that the Arsenal man will be keeping a close eye on. While his importance to England means that he is likely to again be a key player come the next international break, the match against Croatia may show Tuchel that there are also other options.
Speaking after Scott’s cameo against Czechia just a few days ago, Tuchel said: “He has legs, good in defending and the high press, very smooth on the ball, good on decision making, and that’s why he has our trust.”
Rice suddenly has more competition for his place in England’s midfield. Some supporters on social media were left questioning if he should now be in the starting lineup.
“Will never happen but England’s build up and progression looks better with Alex Scott than Declan Rice,” One fan said.
“Said it countless times there’s no need for a Rice x Anderson pivot unless you want stale football,” a second said. “Alex Scott is a fresh of breath air.”
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It could, of course, be Man City’s Elliot Anderson who misses out. A third fan added: “Declan Rice is a nailed on starter when available, so it will be interesting to see who Thomas Tuchel chooses to partner him.
“Bias from me but I think Alex Scott gives a better balance. I've never liked the Rice/Anderson partnership.”
To stave off the competition, Rice will look to return to action with Arsenal on top form, having had a much-needed rest. His performances in the Premier League may have to send a message to Tuchel to ensure that he keeps hold of that starting place.
Scott’s performance is also bad news for another Arsenal man in Myles Lewis-Skelly. The left-back turned midfielder started both of England’s games against Spain and Czechia in the same position as Scott, but found himself replaced by the Bournemouth man for the rout over Croatia.
With Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also vying for a place in midfield, it only increases the competition in the England squad. The strength in depth will be a welcome headache for Tuchel, with the players now having to go the extra mile to show why they should be chosen.