Alex Scott shines on first England start as Tuchel's side demolish Croatia 7-0

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott marked his first England start with a commanding display as Thomas Tuchel’s side dismantled Croatia 7-0 in a Nations League fixture. Harry Kane scored twice, opening the scoring in the eighth minute and adding an assist for Bukayo Saka’s second goal.

For Scott, 23, sharing a pitch with Kane carried a particular weight. Having watched the Bayern Munich striker since childhood, he admitted the reality of playing alongside him exceeded even his expectations.

“H [Kane] is unbelievable,” Scott told ITV. “I knew he was ridiculous. I’ve been watching him since I was a little boy, so I knew his level but up close you can really see his level. That’s why he’s being spoken up with Ballon d’Ors and things like that. Jude’s [Bellingham] the same and [Anthony] Gordon and Bukayo [Saka]. It’s frightening the talent we’ve got in this squad.”

Kane returned the compliment, singling out Scott and fellow midfielder Elliot Anderson for their relentless intensity even as England pulled clear. “Alex [Scott] and Elliot [Anderson] with their movement were outstanding,” Kane said. “The bottom line is if you lose the ball, we’re all smart enough and good enough to cover in midfield or defence. That’s the way we want to play. For them it was so hard to pick a man and press.”

The occasion carried an added layer of surrealism for Scott, who also faced 41-year-old Luka Modric in the Croatia midfield — another player he had idolised growing up. “It’s pretty surreal to be fair,” he said. “Probably one of my favourite players growing up because I had seen him as a boy. One of the best players in the world on his day. To be on the pitch with him and competing is a great honour.”

England’s victory leaves them in a strong position in their Nations League group ahead of their final match of the international break, at home to the Czech Republic on 6 October.