England midfielder Alex Scott hailed his team’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday as a statement win that could intimidate future opponents in the Nations League. The 23-year-old Bournemouth player made his first start for the national team alongside Elliot Anderson as manager Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated the match from the outset.

“It’s important to put these markers down and beat teams like that to scare opposition in the future,” Scott said following the game. “It was my first start and they don’t come much better than that. Seven goals and we were deadly from the off.”

Scott, who praised the performance of England’s attacking players, singled out the front four for their effectiveness, noting the movement and pace of Anthony Gordon as well as the work rate of Jude Bellingham. “He [Bellingham] is everywhere,” Scott said. “I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s the best midfielder in the world, one of the best players in the world and a great human being. His ability is scary. That’s the benchmark we need to live up to. He’s a role model for young English players.”

Croatia legend Luka Modric expressed his embarrassment following the heavy defeat, describing himself as “ashamed,” while recognizing the scale of England’s dominance.

England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged Scott’s performance and indicated that the midfielder offers valuable depth amid ongoing injury concerns. Declan Rice, who was initially expected to feature, withdrew from the squad due to injury. Tuchel said Scott can challenge Rice for a place in central midfield. “Of course, and he does. We need performances like this,” Tuchel said. “We will not survive with only two central midfielders. The more the better.”

Tuchel emphasized the importance of having multiple midfield options, noting Rice’s status as one of Europe’s top midfielders but stressing the team’s need for players like Scott. “In the end it’s always about the guys who are in camp, and Alex has been at the highest level,” he said.

The victory moves England forward confidently in the Nations League, raising expectations of further strong performances in the competition.