England midfielder Alex Scott, who did not make the final World Cup squad, is expected to earn his first international cap in the upcoming warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica as part of England’s final preparations for the tournament.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel is ready to give the Bournemouth star an opportunity to impress before the team heads to the World Cup. Although the 22-year-old was not included in the official 26-man squad for the tournament, he has been called upon to participate in the pre-tournament friendlies and training camp in Florida.

Tuchel has opted to rely on members of his extended ‘shadow squad’ for the fixtures in Florida. According to reports, Scott will make his senior debut for the Three Lions this month as part of the final build-up to the competition. Despite being left out of the final selection, he travelled to the United States as one of five additional players brought in to strengthen training sessions and provide cover.

With several first-team regulars unavailable in the early stages of the camp, Scott and his fellow standby players will step in for the upcoming warm-up matches. The former Bristol City midfielder, who played a key role in Bournemouth’s qualification for the Europa League last season, is expected to feature prominently in both fixtures, which take place just days before the World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17.

Scott’s chance has come about due to several late arrivals at England’s base in Palm Beach Gardens. Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke were all granted extended leave following their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, while Conference League winner Dean Henderson has also yet to join the squad.

The quartet from Arsenal are not expected to report until the weekend, leaving gaps in midfield and attacking positions that Tuchel plans to fill with his reserve group. Alongside Scott, the supplementary contingent includes Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha, Fulham’s Josh King, Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, and Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri. All five are set to remain with the national team throughout the Florida training camp.

Tuchel acknowledged that omitting Scott from the final 26-man list was one of the toughest decisions he had to make, praising the player’s attitude and mentality. Initially named in the provisional 55-man squad, Scott was informed he would not be part of the final group travelling to North America.

Speaking about the decision, Tuchel said, “I’m really happy these guys are with us, especially Alex, who was in the list of 55 and received a disappointing call that he didn’t make the first cut. But his response was exceptional — his professionalism, his desire to be part of the pre-camp and stay close to the team was never in doubt. He’s shown great character and spirit, and I’m delighted he’s here with us because it was a very close call.”

Scott’s inclusion in the training camp follows an impressive season with Bournemouth, where he made 37 Premier League appearances and scored three goals. His technical skill and work rate in midfield have made him one of England’s most promising young players, attracting interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool. Although Bournemouth are keen to retain his services, Scott’s reluctance to sign a new contract has heightened speculation about a potential move this summer.