Alex Scott embraces England training camp role after missing World Cup squad cut

Alex Scott will make his England debut against New Zealand in Tampa on Saturday after accepting a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup training camp despite being cut from the final 26-man squad. The Bournemouth midfielder, 22, said it took him “two seconds” to agree to join the Florida camp when Tuchel called with the mixed news.

Scott is one of four training players attached to the squad — alongside Josh King, Rio Ngumoha and Ethan Nwaneri — but he is the only one eligible for promotion to the full squad if an injury occurs. FIFA rules permit last-minute replacements, provided the player featured on the original 55-man long list, which Scott did.

“First of all, he said you won’t be with us but then he said straight away that he really wants me to come to the prep camp,” Scott explained. “He said he understands how disappointing it can be and gave me time to think about it. But I said yes straight away — of course I want to come and be part of the group.”

Scott acknowledged the initial omission stung. “It’s obviously disappointing not to be in the final squad, but for him to put the trust and belief in me to join the group ahead of such a massive tournament is a real privilege,” he said. “It is what you dream of as a kid to play for your country. It is everything.”

The call-up caps a remarkable turnaround for Scott, who was dropped from the England squad in March after receiving no minutes during the November camp. Rather than let the setback derail him, he used it as motivation during the second half of the Premier League season, producing a run of form that earned widespread praise and made him one of the summer’s most sought-after midfielders.

“It was disappointing, but it was also fuel to go again, keep improving,” Scott said. “I am in a very privileged position to be playing football in the Premier League and playing around the England squad.”

With the World Cup beginning imminently, Scott arrives in the United States as a player on the fringes of the tournament rather than a confirmed participant — but one whose attitude and recent form suggest Tuchel regards him as a genuine option should circumstances change.