Alex Scott and his meteoric rise from the eighth division to the England national team

When Alex Scott made his debut for eighth-tier side Guernsey FC in 2019, in front of a crowd of over fifty on a shabby pitch, no one, not even the 2003-born boy, would become an England international six years later. The Bournemouth midfielder’s journey is arguably one of the most incredible stories in modern football, with a player rejected by academies, returning home and starting over, then going on to become one of the world’s best.

Born on the small island of Guernsey in the middle of the English Channel, Scott's football dreams began at Southampton's academy, travelling from the island to south-east England for training every week. But at the age of 12, Scott was rejected for not being good enough. He then tried his luck at Bournemouth, only to be rejected again.

Unable to find a place to pursue his football dreams, Scott decided to return home, go to school and play football with his friends. "I wanted to enjoy football with my friends on the weekends, after nearly four and a half years of being away from home regularly," Scott said. "Returning to my childhood was what I really needed, through which I regained my confidence. This is probably one of the most important factors for me to be where I am today."

Alex Scott did not have a full training at the top Academies.

Having not been promoted to a top academy, Scott has been happy with his local team and at 16 became the youngest player to play for Guernsey FC, who play in the eighth tier of English football. Manager Tony Vance said he couldn't wait to see his pupil in the first team. "I think every night about how to get Scott into the team. He's really different to the other players," he said.

With his outstanding performances for his hometown club, Scott began to attract attention. Championship side Bristol City, whose owner lives in Guernsey, gave the island boy a chance when he invited him for a trial in 2019. Scott did not disappoint. Within a week, he was training with the Under-18s and then breaking into the first team, scoring a hat-trick in the match that sealed his signing.

He soon made his Championship debut, still a youngster. He played in a variety of midfield positions, impressing with his ability to control the ball, both in control and willing to get forward, create or score. Often wearing low socks without shin guards, Scott has been compared to Jack Grealish. Fans have dubbed him the Grealish of Guernsey.

Scott made 53 appearances, scoring two goals in the Premier League.

At the end of the 2022/23 season, Scott won the Championship Young Player of the Year award, was named in the league’s team of the season and was named Bristol City’s Player of the Year. He was not yet 20.

In the summer of 2023, Bournemouth, the team that rejected Scott, spent 28 million euros to recruit Grealish from the island of Guernsey. In the first two seasons, he suffered three serious injuries. But Scott did not give up. Despite the missed time, he still occupied a key position and helped Bournemouth become a team that made a strong impression in the Premier League. The midfielder born in 2003 also participated in the European Under-21 Championship, where he helped England U21 win the championship.

Now the biggest reward has arrived: Scott's first call-up to the England squad for the final two games of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. "Playing for my country will be one of the proudest moments of my life," the 22-year-old said, "but I have to keep improving, enjoying my football and working hard every day."

Scott's journey is not over yet, as the destination is the 2026 World Cup. Becoming one of the 23 players selected by Thomas Tuchel is difficult, and Scott will have to seize the opportunity to convince the German coach in the next two matches.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/alex-scott-va-su-thang-tien-vu-bao-tu-giai-hang-8-den-doi-tuyen-anh-post1794851.tpo