Alex Scott’s England snub despite standout form has frustrated Bournemouth fans, raising fears of bias against smaller clubs. Meanwhile, several Cherries earned international call-ups, including Rayan for Brazil, as Iraola prepares for a crucial run-in after the break.
On Friday, Thomas Tuchel announced his squad for England's March's Internationals, but despite having what he calls his "best season", a certain midfield star was not included in the line-up.
As Cherries approach their final game before a three week break, Bournemouth fans have been eagerly anticipating squad announcements for the various international squads of their respective players, but one omission has taken supporters by surprise - no Alex Scott for England.
There’s a sense of frustration today amongst supporters that Alex Scott, currently playing the best football of his career, has been overlooked on the international stage in Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad selection. Whilst he was included previously, it it feels almost nonsensical that he has not been able to make the grade for the latest selection given that his performances have garnered so much praise and attention.
Is "being Bournemouth" a disavantage?
Fans are fearing that simply "being a Bournemouth player" might be limiting the international opportunities for the sought-after star, which in turn might make his head turn should any potential bids come in for him during the summer.
Week after week he’s been driving performances for the Cherries with energy, creativity, and maturity beyond his years, yet his omission feels like a snub that’s hard to justify.
It's not a tale that Bournemouth fans aren't used to though, as previously we have witnessed Dominic Solanke constantly being overlooked whilst scoring goals in a red and black striped shirt - only to subsequently make a move to the white half of North London and then get selected for England after what was a relatively slow start for Tottenham Hotspur.
Rayan selected for Brazil
Being a Cherry however evidently has not limited the opportunities for Bournemouth's Brazilian wonder-kid Rayan though, with Carlo Ancelotti selecting the nineteen year old in his latest squad for the Seleção. His involvement will do wonders for his experience, plus it will undoubtedly justify his move to the Premier League from Vasco Da Gama - a heart-wrenching decision given the amount of years that he played there.
Elsewhere on the international scene, here have been call-ups for Marcos Senesi for Argentina, Ryan Christie for Scotland, Alex Tóth for Hungary, Christos Mandas for Greece, Alex Paulsen for NewZealand, and Amine Aldi for newly-crowned AFCON champions Morocco.
Other players to get picked for the Under 21's are Eli Junior Kroupi for France, and development player Archie Harris, who has been selected by Wales.
The three week break for Bournemouth might be beneficial for Andoni Iraola, who may expect to see some faces back in training, including Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook. Plus, with visits to Arsenal and Newcastle United to follow - having a sizeable squad will definitely be preferable as the intensity steps up, as the team push to break another record in ending the season above ninth - which currently registers as their highest Premier League finish.