Alex Scott withdraws from England as Tuchel defends fitness decision

Alex Scott has withdrawn from England's squad through injury following his first international start against Croatia. Sky Sports News reported that the Bournemouth midfielder requires further assessment and could be unavailable for several weeks, with additional scans planned. His absence rules him out of Tuesday's Nations League meeting with Czechia at Wembley.

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Thomas Tuchel defended the decision to play the 23-year-old, saying England's staff had seen no indication that doing so posed an injury risk. According to Press Association reporting published by The Irish News, Scott completed both training sessions before the Croatia match and did extra work afterwards. Tuchel said the player and medical team had cleared him to participate.

The England coach said staff asked Scott about coming off when they became aware of discomfort during the game, but the midfielder wanted to continue. Tuchel also said Scott did not feel injured afterwards or before the subsequent scan. The coach described a mismatch between the player's own assessment and the findings that indicated an absence was likely.

Press Association reported that Tuchel had intended to start Scott again against Czechia. He acknowledged Bournemouth's disappointment at losing an important player but maintained that information had been shared openly between the medical departments. His explanation concerned the decision-making before and during the match, rather than a confirmed date for Scott to return to action.

Scott's setback follows a promising start to his senior international career. Reuters reported that he partnered Elliot Anderson in England's 7-0 victory over Croatia after Declan Rice had withdrawn before the international break. Tuchel welcomed the additional competition in midfield while stressing Rice's continuing importance. England are second in their Nations League group behind Spain ahead of the Czechia fixture.

Bournemouth's next match is away to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, according to Sky Sports. Scott's recovery remains subject to further assessment rather than a settled timetable. England have also lost Ezri Konsa for the final game of the camp, with the defender returning to Arsenal for checks after experiencing muscle discomfort during the international window.