Arsenal stars face England selection pressure as Tuchel injury concerns and midfield competition intensify ahead of international break

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has been forced to leave the England camp with a thigh injury that could sideline him for around two months, just days after his stunning 7-0 Croatia debut prompted Gary Lineker to question whether Declan Rice's England starting place is safe. Lineker praised Scott's 'calmness and control' on 'The Rest is Football' podcast, saying Rice is a 'totally different' player. Harry Redknapp has now added his voice, urging Thomas Tuchel to hand Scott a permanent England squad berth.

Arsenal are also sweating on Ezri Konsa, who has pulled out of the England squad ahead of Tuesday's Czech Republic game with an injury concern.

Tuchel himself said Rice 'of course' might have reason to worry about his place after Scott's assured Croatia display.

Arsenal have received a separate boost in their pursuit of Brazil midfielder Breno Bidon, 21, with Corinthians reportedly unlikely to refuse a bid above £21m.