Bournemouth´s Scott fuelled by England exclusion

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott admitted he was disappointed by his exclusion from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, but is using it as “fuel” for the rest of the season.

Tuchel named a 35-man squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan later this month, with no place on the roster for Scott.

However, the 22-year-old responded in strong fashion, winning the player of the match award in Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Friday.

Scott completed the most passes for his side (59), created the joint-second most chances (two), won 100% of his duels (four) and saw a long-range strike hit both the crossbar and post before going behind off the head of Senne Lammens.

“I think, like you said, it’s fuel,” Scott told Sky Sports.

“Obviously disappointed, everyone wants to play for their country. But in England, there’s so many top players.

“Kobbie [Mainoo] was playing today. There’s unreal players in the midfield spots. It’s tough to get into that squad.

“For me, it’s head down, keep focusing, keep performing, and hopefully I put myself in the best position possible for the summer.”

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— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) March 20, 2026

Bournemouth twice came back from a goal down to secure a point against United, who were reduced to 10 men after a red card for Harry Maguire.

United took the lead twice in this match and also three times in their 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in December.

It is the first time a team has taken the lead more than once in both games against a side in a Premier League campaign but won neither, since Crystal Palace versus Southampton in 2004-05.

“It has happened a lot this season,” Iraola told Sky Sports when asked about coming from behind twice.

“I think we are a team. We normally play quite open games, but the first goal is not as decisive as could happen in other games. Today we showed it.

“We were hoping to play with a bit more patience, especially against 10 [men]. I think we had good things, especially the first chance from Rayan against teams like this, you have to take.”