Alex Scott’s long-awaited England debut has been pushed back after Thomas Tuchel omitted the Bournemouth midfielder from his matchday squad for Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia at Wembley.
The 20-year-old, who received his first senior call-up only six days ago, will have to watch from the stands alongside Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Tuchel was required to reduce his group to 23 players for the fixture under UEFA regulations, having named a 25-man squad for the double header against Serbia and Albania.
The England manager faced a difficult final selection and ultimately chose to hold back Scott for the opening tie of the international window.
Guehi’s absence is the result of a foot injury that has troubled him all week.
The Palace centre-back will be monitored over the weekend and England staff will decide whether he should return to his club rather than travel with the squad to Albania.
His condition will be reassessed before any decision is taken, although there is a growing expectation that he will be sent home for treatment if there is no improvement.
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Alex Scott’s long-awaited England debut has been pushed back after Thomas Tuchel omitted the Bournemouth midfielder from his matchday squad for Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia at Wembley
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Scott’s situation is far less concerning. Tuchel is believed to have made his decision with Sunday firmly in mind, giving the midfielder the clearest indication yet that his debut will come in Tirana.
The England staff are believed to have told him that he remains firmly in the plans for the second match and that he can expect minutes from the bench if the game state allows.
The young midfielder has spoken openly about what his selection means to him after his rise through the lower leagues.
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He recently reflected on how surreal his elevation to senior international football has been.
“I’m over the moon,” he said. “It is everything I dreamed for back then. Six years ago, I was playing non league football and I wasn’t even sure if I was going to make it as a football player, so to now be in the England senior team is a dream come true.”
Scott also recalled the moment he learned he had been chosen.
“When I got the call, it was an unbelievable feeling. I couldn’t stop smiling,” he said.
He admitted that making the squad for the next World Cup remains a powerful motivation but insisted he was keeping his focus firmly on the present.
“Everyone’s dream is to be in that World Cup squad. The World Cup is a dream of mine, but I’m just taking it one step at a time. If I get the chance to play, hopefully I can impress and show what I am capable of,” he stated.
Marc Guehi won't be involved in England's match with Serbia tonight
| REUTERSDespite the disappointment of missing out on the Wembley matchday squad, the midfielder is said to have trained well this week and has impressed coaches with his composure and tactical adaptability.
His performances at Bournemouth since returning from injury have been closely monitored by England’s analysts and helped propel him into contention for a midfield spot.
Meanwhile Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, who has been nursing a minor hamstring problem, was passed fit following medical assessments.
He is available for selection and expected to feature at some stage during the international window.