Alex Scott said Harry Kane’s exceptional ability is best appreciated on the pitch after England began their UEFA Nations League Group Stage Matchday 3 campaign with a 7-0 away victory over Croatia.
The England midfielder, speaking to ITV after the match, described his first start for the national team as an unforgettable occasion, made even more significant by such a dominant result in Prague.
“There’s no better feeling than this,” Scott said. “Getting my first start and kickstarting it with such a resounding victory feels amazing.”
He praised the depth and quality within the England squad, particularly the finishing of the attacking players.
“Everyone could see the squad depth and quality this team possesses from the first minute,” he added. “The teammates we have up front have absolutely lethal finishing ability. For them, scoring goals seems incredibly easy and natural.”
England’s display was built around an aggressive approach without the ball. Scott said the team’s high press and counter-pressing in the attacking third had been central to the victory, helping them regain possession quickly and create chances before Croatia could recover.
“High-intensity pressing without the ball is our strongest tactical core, especially counter-pressing in the attacking third,” he said. “Today, we were extremely aggressive, getting right in their faces and applying continuous pressure.”
Scott also highlighted England’s work across the pitch, including his midfield partnership with Elliott.
“Our entire team’s performance tonight was outstanding, from our solid defence to my partnership with Elliott in midfield,” he said. “A lot of effort went into it. We were eager to press high and apply maximum pressure from the start, and we achieved that perfectly on the pitch.”
The England attack frequently changed position during the match, with Kane often moving into deeper areas. Scott said the movement of the front four had been particularly effective, with Kane, Bellingham, Gordon and Saka all finding the net.
“Kane’s ability is simply unbelievable,” Scott said.
Asked whether Kane had exceeded his expectations, Scott said watching him from a young age had already convinced him of his world-class status. However, playing alongside the England captain had offered a different perspective.
“I knew he was incredibly strong. I’ve been watching him since I was a little boy, so I already knew he was world-class,” he said. “But it’s only when you’re on the pitch playing alongside him that you can truly experience the level he’s at.”
Scott also spoke about facing Luka Modric, whom he had admired throughout his childhood and early professional career. The England player called the experience surreal and said it had been an honour to compete against one of his favourite players.
“Watching him since childhood, when he was at his best, he was recognised as one of the best players in the world,” Scott said. “Today, being on the same pitch with him and competing face-to-face is an absolute honour. Fortunately, we won the game.”
England must now recover and prepare for a crucial match next Tuesday. Scott said securing another three points would be the ideal way to build on the victory.
