England's Euro Rivals Will Be Scared After Croatia Demolition, Claims Alex Scott

New England midfield star Alex Scott believes Europe's national teams will be intimidated by England's recent 7-0 demolition of Croatia. The Bournemouth player, making his first England start alongside Elliot Anderson, was part of the team that overwhelmed Croatia in the Nations League.

Croatian legend Luka Modric expressed shame following the heavy defeat, and Scott suggested this performance could signal the beginning of a dominant period for the England team. "It's important to put these markers down and beat teams like that to scare opposition in the future," Scott stated. "It was my first start and they don't come much better than that. Seven goals and we were deadly from the off."

Scott praised the attacking unit, highlighting Anthony Gordon's pace and runs and Jude Bellingham's all-around influence. "He's even better in person, seeing it up close and being on the same pitch as him. He's the best midfielder in the world, one of the best players in the world for sure and a great human being," Scott said of Bellingham. "On the pitch his ability is scary and that's the benchmark we need to live up to. I'm the same age as him but for me he's a role model figure for young English players."

Rico Lewis, a Manchester City player, has been added to the senior England squad for the upcoming match against the Czech Republic. This marks Lewis's return to the senior team after last playing for them in 2024.

Saturday's loss was the most significant in Croatian history. Modric, who celebrated his 41st birthday last month, admitted to feeling "ashamed" after the match, stating, "It is difficult to find an explanation for a performance like that, with no duels, fouls, aggression or cohesion. You can lose, someone can be stronger, at the moment they are stronger, but losing in this way and throwing away the reputation we have built up over all these years is unacceptable. I really do feel ashamed."

England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that several players have stepped up in the absence of senior figures like Declan Rice and Cole Palmer. When asked about Scott's potential to challenge Rice for a midfield spot, Tuchel responded, "Of course, and he does. We need performances like this. This is just the nature of it, and 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. And it's always then, in the end, about the guys who are in camp. And Alex has been at the highest level."