Alex Scott has been forced to withdraw from England’s national team after sustaining a tendon injury during the side’s 7‑0 demolition of Croatia. While manager Thomas Tuchel insisted there were no warning signs before the midfielder took the field on Saturday, the injury now appears serious enough to keep Scott sidelined for an extended period. According to sources at Sky Sports News, the player will travel back to his club, Bournemouth, where medical staff will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the full scope of the problem.
Early indications suggest a recovery period measured in weeks, but additional scans are scheduled to confirm the exact timeline. In a pre‑match press conference before England’s game against the Czech Republic, Tuchel provided further insight into how the injury unfolded. He stressed that there was no indication prior to the Croatia match that Scott should be rested.
"With Alex it’s a strange case," Tuchel said. "I’m very disappointed about it. He trained in both sessions before the match and even did extra work after the sessions." The coach went on to explain the decision‑making process that led to Scott staying on the pitch.
"We knew he was in treatment, but we only received the green light from him and the medical team. When we noticed a slight discomfort during the game we asked if he wanted to be taken off. He said no. After the match he told us it felt like the right decision and that he could have played the full ninety minutes.
He didn’t feel any injury, even on the flight back to London before we performed the scan. It’s odd because the scan’s objectivity and the predicted lay‑off time don’t line up.
From our side there was no awareness of any risk." Tuchel expressed personal sympathy, noting the close relationship he has with the midfielder. "I feel sad for him.
We talk constantly, and even the day after the game he didn’t feel injured, so in my mind I thought he would be fine for tomorrow’s training." The injury has also sparked a media debate about Bournemouth’s reaction. Reports suggest the club is displeased that one of its key players returned from international duty with a problem that may keep him out for weeks, and that there may be criticism over the decision to let him play in Rijeka. When asked about the club’s stance, Tuchel said, "The medical and physical department is in constant contact with all the players who are with us.
We share information and the process is completely transparent. I understand Bournemouth are unhappy and sad because they lose a vital player, but from the moment we decided to let him play there was absolutely no apparent risk to me or our staff.
I would never have taken a chance if I had any doubt. This is a one‑off situation." Adding a personal dimension to the story, Scott’s grandfather passed away while the midfielder was on international duty. Despite the loss, Scott chose to stay and play in honour of his late grandfather, who had been one of his biggest supporters throughout his career.
The decision was praised by teammates and fans alike, highlighting Scott’s dedication and emotional resilience. Scott’s debut start for England in Rijeka earned him plaudits from Tuchel, who noted his effective partnership with fellow midfielder Elliot Anderson – the pair had previously won the Under‑21 European Championship together in 2025. However, midway through the second half Scott signalled discomfort and asked to be substituted, a move that likely prevented a more serious aggravation.
Off the pitch, transfer speculation has been rife. Sky Sports reported that Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all shown interest in signing Scott this summer. Bournemouth, however, have made it clear that the player is not for sale, emphasizing that he has two years left on his contract and that the club is under no pressure to part with him. In fact, Scott has reportedly turned down a new contract offer from Bournemouth, despite the strong Premier League interest.
Bournemouth’s upcoming fixtures add further context. The club will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their first match after the international break, a game that could be affected by Scott’s absence. Meanwhile, another England player, defender Ezri Konsa, also returned to his club – Arsenal – after being ruled out of England’s final game of the break against the Czech Republic. Konsa had been dealing with a minor muscle issue that limited his training during the break.
He completed the full 90 minutes in the Croatia match but will now miss the remainder of the England camp and will undergo further fitness assessments with Arsenal. Tuchel commented on Konsa’s situation: "Ezri came into camp with discomfort. He played against Spain which made it worse. He stayed in camp, tried everything for the match in Croatia and gave the green light.
Unfortunately, he suffered another hit on the quad, causing light trauma. We decided not to let him play again through the pain. Nothing major, but not worth the risk." The England squad will now have to adjust its midfield options ahead of the remaining fixtures, while clubs back home prepare for the resumption of Premier League action. Arsenal, for instance, are set to host Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday at 12:30 pm, marking their return to league competition after the break.
In summary, Alex Scott’s tendon injury has forced his premature exit from the England camp, with a projected recovery period of several weeks pending further medical evaluation. The incident underscores the delicate balance national team managers must strike between player welfare and competitive ambition, especially when club concerns and personal circumstances intersect. The situation also highlights the broader impact of international duty on club squads, transfer markets, and player morale during a busy summer window.
Fans are encouraged to stay updated on Scott’s progress through official club communications, and to support both the player and his club as they navigate the challenges ahead.