Tuchel praises Scott debut as England respond to World Cup disappointment

Thomas Tuchel said England are beginning to move beyond the disappointment of their World Cup exit after an emphatic victory over Croatia in Rijeka. According to the Guardian's post-match report, the England manager also singled out Alex Scott for praise after the Bournemouth midfielder made his first international start.

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Tuchel acknowledged that the semi-final defeat by Argentina had been difficult for the squad to absorb at the beginning of the current camp. He said the players' concentration in meetings, their ability to put those ideas into practice and their performances during the international break showed how they could recover. He did not suggest the disappointment had disappeared entirely.

The manager highlighted England's pressing, creativity with the ball and speed when breaking forward. He said the players wanted to adopt that approach, rather than needing persuasion from the coaching staff. Tuchel believes England can gain an advantage by taking the initiative and pressing opponents man for man, while acknowledging that the risks involved still have to be managed.

Scott's contribution drew particular attention. Tuchel praised the 23-year-old's composure in possession, decision-making and confidence, alongside the effort he supplied without the ball. The manager also pointed to the variety England had in central midfield. Scott, meanwhile, said it was an honour to compete against Luka Modric, whom he had admired while growing up.

England's attacking players supplied the goals, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice apiece and Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also on the scoresheet. The Guardian reported that Jude Bellingham became the first England midfielder to record four goal involvements in one match since David Platt against San Marino in 1993. Kane's international goals total reached 89.

Kane also praised the team's attitude during the trip, saying the players had maintained their standards despite surroundings that might have encouraged a more relaxed mindset. Croatia had entered the match after a 4-1 defeat by Spain. England now hold second place in their Nations League group, with Czechia their final opponents of the camp on Tuesday; the report described qualification for next year's finals as an expectation, not a completed achievement.