Alex Scott has been forced to withdraw from the England national team after sustaining a tendon problem during the 7-0 demolition of Croatia. According to Sky Sports News, the Bournemouth midfielder will travel back to his club for a comprehensive medical assessment to determine how serious the injury truly is.
Early reports suggest that the setback could keep him sidelined for several weeks, although further imaging scans are scheduled to confirm the extent of the damage. The timing of the injury is especially poignant for Scott, as his grandfather passed away while the player was away on international duty. Despite the personal loss, Scott chose to remain with the Three Lions throughout the break, opting to honour his late grandfather – a man who had been one of his most ardent supporters and a constant presence throughout his footballing journey.
The decision to play in his memory underscores the deep bond between the family members and the emotional weight of representing his country under such circumstances. Scott’s debut start for England came in Rijeka, where he immediately made an impression on head coach Thomas Tuchel.
The manager praised the young midfielder’s chemistry with fellow youngster Elliot Anderson – the pair having previously lifted the U21 European Championship trophy in 2025 – and highlighted how well Scott fit into the team’s tactical setup. After about 70 minutes of play, however, Scott felt a sharp pain and requested to be substituted.
He was subsequently taken for a scan to pinpoint the source of the discomfort. The injury news arrives amid intense transfer speculation surrounding the 23‑year‑old.
Reports from Sky Sports claim that Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all expressed interest in securing Scott’s services this summer. Nevertheless, Bournemouth have been clear that the player is not for sale, emphasizing that he still has two years left on his contract and that the club faces no pressure to part with him. In fact, Scott reportedly turned down a new contract extension at the Seaside Stadium, despite the Premier League suitors knocking on his door. Bournemouth’s next fixture will see them travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday, marking the club’s first match after the international break.
The team will be keen to assess the fitness of their key midfielder before the clash, while also dealing with the broader implications of the injury on their season objectives. In related news, defender Ezri Konsa has also returned to his parent club Arsenal after being ruled out of England’s final game of the break against the Czech Republic. Konsa suffered a minor muscle strain that kept him out of training earlier in the week, but he managed to complete the full 90 minutes in the 7-0 victory over Croatia.
Following the match, he will head back to the Emirates for further evaluation, effectively ending his involvement in the England camp for the remainder of the international window. Arsenal are set to resume Premier League action on Saturday, hosting Leeds United at 12:30 p.m.
The Gunners have received a defensive boost during the break, with Ben White, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera all spotted training and looking likely to be fit once the league restarts. Both White and Mosquera had picked up injuries prior to the break but appear to be on the road to recovery.
After the dominant win over Croatia, Tuchel lavished praise on Scott, describing him as a "complete package" after his 70‑minute performance. The coach highlighted the midfielder’s composure on the ball, his high‑level decision‑making, and his confidence in tight spaces.
Tuchel also noted Scott’s work rate off the ball, his mobility and the variety he brings to the centre of the pitch, especially when paired with Elliot Anderson. "First start and what a start and what a performance," Tuchel said. "He’s just so smooth on the ball at the moment. Decision‑making is at the highest level.
He plays with so much confidence, is very active, and his off‑the‑ball work rate is just the complete package right now. He gave us a lot of mobility, variety and work rate in the centre of the pitch together with Elliot." The midfielder’s rapid rise – from U21 champion to senior debutant – has made him a coveted talent in the English game. While his immediate focus will be on rehabilitation and returning to full fitness for Bournemouth, the broader football community will be watching closely to see whether he can fulfill the high expectations set by his early performances and the interest of several top‑flight clubs.
If Scott can recover swiftly, he could still feature in Bournemouth’s upcoming Premier League campaign, potentially providing a spark in their midfield as they chase European qualification. Conversely, a prolonged absence could force the Cherries to adjust their tactical approach and rely more heavily on other squad members.
Either way, the next few weeks will be crucial for both the player’s health and his club’s ambitions. For fans seeking further updates, keep an eye on official club statements and medical reports, which will provide the most accurate timeline for Scott’s return. In the meantime, the England squad will have to adapt without his creative spark as they prepare for the next set of fixtures in the international calendar.