Scott confident England ‘have what it takes’ to defeat the Netherlands in U21 Euro semi-finals

Alex Scott is eager to leverage his experience from winning the Under-19 European Championship in Slovakia as England prepares for a pivotal semi-final clash against the Netherlands on Wednesday, also in Bratislava.

The midfielder, a consistent standout performer for England throughout the tournament, was part of another Young Lions squad that lifted the trophy two years prior on the same ground.

Now elevated to a higher age group, the Bournemouth playmaker is keen to add further accolades to his rising national career.

Reflecting on the lessons learned from the 2023 campaign and the inspiration drawn from the Under-21s’ success that year, Scott stated: “We witnessed how exceptional they were two years ago and what it required for them to secure the trophy.

“That’s essentially the benchmark for us. We’re a fresh set of players. While some of us have gained experience from the U19s, we’re all eager to move forward.

“We’ve put in tremendous effort throughout the qualifying stages and we’ve earned our place here. We’re England, and we approach every match with the belief that we possess the capability to win. There’s no reason we shouldn’t achieve that tomorrow.”

Scott has donned a chin guard throughout the tournament, following an injury he sustained during his final Premier League game of the season against Aston Villa, where he collided with Tyrone Mings.

While it may not be the most comfortable accessory for a professional footballer, Scott assured that it hasn’t impeded his performance significantly.

The 21-year-old shared: “It’s honestly been manageable. I previously wore a different mask that was much more cumbersome. I tested it out in a few training sessions before our trip to Slovakia, and the staff did everything possible to ensure I received a new one that was more comfortable.

“I’ve adjusted to it quite well. Of course, it gets a bit sweaty at times, and you’ll notice me trying to take it off as much as possible during matches. But overall, it’s been fine.”

Scott has formed a strong partnership with Elliott Anderson in the midfield, with Anderson being one of England’s standout players in the tournament.

The connection between the two has flourished, and Scott has expressed his appreciation for having Anderson by his side during their time in Slovakia.

“He’s a crucial player for us, bringing a wealth of experience, energy, and impressive technical skills,” he praised.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment playing alongside him in midfield. Our camaraderie off the pitch translates well onto the field.”