Tuchel highlights midfield competition after Scott's standout England debut

Thomas Tuchel warned that there is competition for Declan Rice’s place in England’s midfield after Alex Scott marked his first international start with an outstanding display during the 7-0 away win against Croatia.

Rice, who struggled with neural pain in his upper hamstring during the World Cup, withdrew from the camp because of load management and the vice-captain’s absence at the start of the side’s Nations League campaign has allowed Tuchel to broaden his options alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.

England’s head coach has added youth to the squad and enjoyed the competition between Myles Lewis-Skelly and Scott during the past fortnight. Lewis-Skelly did well after starting the 3-2 defeat by Spain and the 2-0 win against Czechia but the Arsenal midfielder was outshone by Scott, who partnered Anderson in Croatia and delivered a performance full of energy, speed and quality on and off the ball.

It was Scott’s second cap – he also impressed after coming on against Czechia in Prague – and the 23-year-old’s excellence was one of many positives on an important night for Tuchel. The manager can feel a new England emerging after the pain of their World Cup defeat by Argentina. The squad has been refreshed and it was interesting that Tuchel used a question about Jordan Pickford’s spot as the No 1 goalkeeper last Friday to suggest, unprompted, that Rice does not necessarily have a guaranteed place in the team.

The bigger picture is that Rice, who has helped England reach two major finals, remains part of Tuchel’s best XI. However, Tuchel delivered another pointed response when asked if the Arsenal midfielder will feel his place is under threat after seeing Scott’s performance in Rijeka.

“Of course, and he does, we need performances like this,” the German said. “This is just the nature of it. We will not survive on two central midfielders. The more the better – and it’s always about the guys who are in camp.

“Declan knows about his importance, and he’s one of the very best midfielders in Europe. Nothing will change that. But it’s exactly what we need. We need more, more, more, more variety. We need more, more, more options. Then it’s always about the guys who are in camp. Alex was in the highest level.”

Anderson and Scott dominated against the experienced pairing of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic. The England youngsters built on playing together when Lee Carsley’s under-21 side won the European Championship last year.

“I guess it helps,” Tuchel said. “Not only as players but even in their character. They’re a good mix and match. Alex had a fantastic match, and we need to be strong in the middle of the pitch. I’m very happy with the level that Alex trained at.”

Scott explained his partnership with Anderson. “We work really well together,” he said. “We saw that last year at the Euros and we’ve been speaking about it ever since, playing this midfield together.

“I love playing with Elliot. He makes life so easy for me. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world. We bounce off each other very well. We like getting on the ball, aggressive off the ball, we suit each other. Playing next to him is great and I know he enjoys it as well.”

It is easy to see why Bournemouth were determined not to lose Scott last summer. Arsenal asked about the former Bristol City player’s availability, Manchester United were interested and Chelsea had multiple bids rejected.

Tuchel sees Scott as one of the best midfielders in England. That assessment adds to the sense that not taking him to the World Cup was a mistake. England lacked cover for Anderson and Rice, who made 69 appearances for club and country last season. Tuchel gave no minutes to Kobbie Mainoo and lost Jordan Henderson when the 36-year-old broke a wrist during the celebrations after the last-16 win against Mexico.

But Scott, who may well have ended Henderson’s hopes of a recall, refused to sulk. He used his World Cup disappointment as motivation and has started the season well.

“It gave me more hunger but there’s so many top players for this country,” Scott said. “There was no bad feelings about not going to the World Cup. I went to the prep camp, I wanted to learn as much as I can and it helped me coming into this camp.”

England’s triumph in Croatia keeps them in second place in their Nations League group, three points behind Spain and well placed to reach the quarter-finals in March. They close this extended international break at home against Czechia Harry Kane will expect to equal Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps and is playing brilliantly with Jude Bellingham.

“They were good in the World Cup,” Tuchel said. “They get better and better. They love playing with each other. They understand each other better.”

Tuchel could rotate against Czechia and has found out more about his squad. The Manchester City full-back Rico Lewis has been added to the senior squad for the Czechia game. “The level, the attitude, from the bench is good. Morgan Gibbs-White had a fantastic training week. Morgan Rogers got a goal. Eberechi Eze is good and is pushing. We need that.”