Alex Scott says Harry Kane’s quality is best understood by playing alongside him after England produced a commanding 7-0 victory over Croatia in their UEFA Nations League Group Stage Matchday 3 away fixture.
Speaking to ITV after the match, Scott reflected on a memorable first start for England, having made his debut in Prague. The midfielder said the result demonstrated the strength and depth within the squad, particularly in the attacking areas.
“There’s no better feeling than this,” Scott said. “Getting my first start and kickstarting it with such a resounding victory feels amazing.
“I think everyone could see the squad depth and quality this team possesses from the first minute. The teammates we have up front have absolutely lethal finishing ability. For them, scoring goals seems incredibly easy and natural.”
Scott also praised England’s overall performance, including his midfield partnership with Elliott. He said the team had worked hard to apply pressure from the outset and carried out its plan effectively.
“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 certainly achieved that perfectly on the pitch.”
The midfielder identified England’s pressing game as the foundation for their success, particularly when winning the ball back in the attacking third.
“High-intensity pressing without the ball is our strongest tactical core, especially counter-pressing in the attacking third,” Scott said. “Today, we were extremely aggressive, getting right in their faces and applying continuous pressure.
“The large number of goals we scored, especially early on, stemmed from this high press in the attacking third, quick ball recovery, and clinical finishing in the final third.”
England’s front four regularly changed positions against Croatia, with Kane often moving deeper to link play. Scott said the movement and quality of the attacking players made them particularly difficult to contain, with Kane, Bellingham, Gordon and Saka all impressing.
“Kane’s ability is simply unbelievable,” he said.
Scott added that watching Kane from close range had changed his appreciation of the striker’s ability.
“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 terrifying level he’s at.
“That’s why there’s always so much discussion about him. Bellingham is the same, as are Gordon and Saka. The top talent in this team is truly astonishing.”
The match also gave Scott the chance to face Luka Modric, one of his favourite players while growing up. He described the experience as surreal and an honour, adding that England’s victory made it even more satisfying.
Scott said England must now recover and build on the result, with another important match scheduled for next Tuesday.
“We must build on this momentum and improve,” he said. “We need to regroup, recover, and then another three points would be perfect.”
