England star not named in World Cup squad set for debut as Thomas Tuchel turns to shadow squad for warm-up fixtures

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is reportedly in line to make his senior England debut despite not being included in Thomas Tuchel’s final 26-man World Cup squad.

The 22-year-old has joined England’s training camp in Florida as part of a supplementary group and could feature in upcoming friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica before the Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign.

Tuchel ready to reward Scott’s commitment

According to reports, Scott is expected to receive valuable minutes during England’s final preparations ahead of their tournament opener against Croatia on June 17.

Although he narrowly missed out on a place in the official World Cup squad, the Bournemouth midfielder has remained with the national team as one of five additional players invited to support training sessions and provide cover during the pre-tournament camp.

Scott enjoyed an impressive season with Bournemouth, playing a key role in helping the Cherries secure European qualification and earning recognition from Tuchel’s coaching staff in the process.

Champions League finalists yet to arrive

The opportunity has emerged due to several senior internationals being granted additional time off following recent club commitments.

Arsenal quartet Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have yet to join the camp after participating in the Champions League final, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson is also absent during the early stages of preparation.

Their delayed arrivals have left Tuchel short of options for training and warm-up matches, prompting him to lean on his travelling standby group.

Alongside Scott, Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha, Fulham forward Josh King, Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele and Arsenal prodigy Ethan Nwaneri have all remained with the squad in Florida.

A difficult World Cup decision

Scott had initially been included in Tuchel’s provisional 55-man shortlist before learning that he would not make the final squad travelling to North America.

Despite the disappointment, the midfielder’s response appears to have left a major impression on the England boss.

Tuchel praised the Bournemouth star’s professionalism and willingness to remain involved with the group despite missing out on a tournament place.

“I’m really happy these guys are with us, especially Alex, who was with us in the list of 55 and had a kind of disappointing phone call as well that he didn’t make the first cut,” Tuchel explained.

“But the reaction of him was outstanding. The commitment, the wish to be in pre-camp and to just be a step closer to the team was not even a question for him.”

Tuchel impressed by midfielder’s character

The England manager admitted Scott came extremely close to earning a place in the final squad and believes his attitude has only strengthened his future prospects with the national team.

“He showed me his character and his spirit, so I’m delighted that he’s with us because it was a close call,” Tuchel added.

While Scott’s immediate focus remains on helping England prepare for the World Cup, a senior debut against either New Zealand or Costa Rica would represent a significant milestone for one of the country’s brightest young midfield talents.

And if he can impress during the upcoming friendlies, he may have already positioned himself firmly in Tuchel’s plans beyond the 2026 tournament.