England fans were quick to take to social media to express their annoyance and confusion at Alex Scott’s omission from the Three Lions after watching Thomas Tuchel's men put in an underwhelming shift against Japan, in what was an uninspiring 1-0 loss, courtesy of Kaoru Mitoma's first half strike.
Bournemouth and England fans frustratedly watched on this evening as the Three Lions put in a dismal showing against Japan at Wembley, in a match which completed what was a tepid and discombobulated week for Thomas Tuchel's men.
Cherries fans especially have found it tough watching on given the omission of Alex Scott, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most impressive young midfielders this season.
Being overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for the March internationals has left fans questioning the manager’s choices - and in particular, England's second match over the fortnight seemed to highlight the areas where the home side are lacking.
Despite the personal pain of not being selected, Alex Scott handled his exclusion with the utmost dignity, and indeed his last Cherries performance against Manchester United saw him channel his aggression into yet another man-of-the-match performance for Bournemouth, where he played his fellow England team mate Kobbie Mainoo off the park.
Action Images via Reuters/Paul ChildsAlex Scott's Remarkable Rise
The 22-year-old Guernsey-born midfielder has had a stunning trajectory. He came through the ranks via the Guernsey FA and Bristol City before joining AFC Bournemouth in a £25m move in August 2023, but despite an initial injury setback, he has enjoyed a breakout 2025/26 campaign under Andoni Iraola - appearing in 31 Premier League matches, starting 28 and logging 2,320 minutes.
He has scored two goals and provided one assist, while his tireless energy, 148 tackles, 86 interceptions and progressive carries have made him a vital cog in Bournemouth’s midfield. Indeed, averaging a 7.11 FotMob rating, he ranks highly among league midfielders for ground duels won and ball progression.
After the flat and uninspiring 1-0 loss against Japan, where the home side lacked creativity and intensity - it was clear to see that the inclusion of Scott would have benefited the side, and fans were quick to take to social media to share their views.
Fans Quick to Voice Annoyance
One wrote: “Why is Mainoo in the latest England squad, while Alex Scott is left out? Alex Scott is LEVELS ahead of both Mainoo and Jordan Henderson. Absolutely feel for Scott.”
Another claimed Tuchel is "out of touch"...
Another, after watching Bournemouth recently, posted: “I’m bewildered as to how Alex Scott isn’t in the England squad… He’s blossomed into the player AFCB thought they were signing & now he’s completely controlling games. Maestro.”
Kobbie Mainoo himself garnered some criticism from some fans, who seemed to be questioning his fitness levels...
One supporter also added, simply: “Alex Scott should have been in the England squad. Farcical that he’s not.”
The debate reflects broader concerns about England’s midfield options ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Scott’s dynamic, box-to-box style offers exactly the spark many felt was missing in Tuesday’s boring friendly, so as Tuchel finalises his plans, the Guernsey talent’s club form continues to make a compelling case for inclusion.