From Non-League to Three Lions! Ex-Guernsey FC midfielder Alex Scott makes latest England squad

Alex Scott’s rise through the ranks continues as he earns his first call-up to the England senior squad.

The 22-year-old began his journey with The Green Lions, catching the eye in the Isthmian Leagues before earning a move to Championship side Bristol City.

After showcasing his talent in the Football League, Scott’s rapid rise continued with a switch to Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth, where he has gone from strength to strength.

Now, England boss Thomas Tuchel believes the midfielder is ready to take the next step in his remarkable rise from Non-League hopeful to full international.

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Grassroots football

Flashback to the summer: Football League Paper chief writer and regular NLP contributor Chris Dunlavy highlighted in a column how stepping away from the intense spotlight of professional academies – as Scott did by returning to grassroots football in Guernsey – can lay the groundwork for genuine development.

His thoughts extended from an interview Scott gave during the Under-21 European Championships: “It got to the point where I didn’t really have a social life back home.

“I think that was the main benefit of going back to play in Guernsey – I could finally spend time with my friends and create memories with them.

“I doubt I would have had the career I’m having now if I hadn’t returned to grassroots football.

“That decision to go home, enjoy my football and live my life more fully made me happier off the pitch, which in turn meant better performance on the pitch.”

Since then, Scott has continued to shine for a Bournemouth side pushing for European qualification.

He has featured in 10 Premier League matches so far this season, already matching half the league appearances he made last term.

And he’s not the only former Non-League player in the latest England squad either – Dan Burn, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson, and Jarrod Bowen have all spent time plying their trade below the fourth tier at some stage in their careers.

READ MORE: Chris Dunlavy: Alex Scott grew away from the glare