Alex Scott is quickly establishing himself as a rising star in the Premier League. But the Bournemouth midfielder will not become the most famous English celebrity to bear his name, even if he makes his full debut against Serbia on Thursday. Nor is he the best international performer in his family.
Another, Alex Scott, has won 140 caps for England, hosts Football Focus and is preparing to head Down Under. Even though the two men are only 19 years apart in age, they still seem to be confused among social media users. “They said I worked hard and got called up and at the same time I became a celebrity!” Scott, 22, smiled. “It’s clear that Alex Scott, our women’s footballer, has done great things for her country and in an England shirt.
“It’s amazing that she and I have the same name. Even if I step on the pitch on Thursday or Sunday, I don’t know if there have ever been many players with the same name who have both played for their country.”
His half-sister Maya Le Tissier is the captain of Manchester United, who won the UEFA Women’s Championship this summer, and the Scot consulted her before her first full call-up.
Unlike any male player since 1966, she won a major trophy. “I just had to have fun and be myself,” he said.
“Show what you can do and do what you’ve been doing for years. As kids we used to fly together every weekend. She used to play for Hampshire and I used to play for Southampton as a kid. She’s seen me grow so much as a person and as a footballer.”
“At the time, when I was back home playing soccer in my hometown, she never would have imagined that I would turn professional.
“We talk almost every day. She’s obviously very happy for me. She emailed me as soon as she heard the news. It’s great to have someone nearby who’s been through it and been close to the Lionesses and England as a whole.”
“She helps me with advice on playing at the highest level and in high-pressure situations. She has been active with Manchester United and the Lionesses and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Born in 2003, he was too young to watch Matt Le Tissier and Graham Le Saux, the first two Channel Islanders to represent England.
“Of course I’ve seen the footage of Matt and the goal he scored,” the 22-year-old said.
“Obviously some of his finishes that I saw were outrageous, but I don’t know if that’s in the locker!”
What they all have in common is a literal long journey to become professional soccer players.
“It started on a Saturday morning, bright and early, with a flight probably around 6 a.m.,” he recalled. Scott said the islanders’ spirit is the key to their success.
“It just means we’re fearless,” he explained. “It’s difficult to go to the mainland. When opportunities arise, I feel like I’ll take advantage of them.”
Scott was released from Southampton Academy and began his career with Guernsey FC in the Eighth Men’s Football League at the age of 16, earning him the nickname Guernsey Grealish. Despite suffering a serious injury, he moved on to Bristol City and Bournemouth, winning European Championships with the Under-19s and Under-21s.
Even failing school sports didn’t deter him. “That was a writing class!” Scott laughed.
Asked what he wanted to show manager Thomas Tuchel in his first full call-up, the Scot said: “I think I just want to go into the game and be brave and play the way I know I can play. It’s disappointing but I just want to be able to play some role in the game and prove what I’m capable of.”
What is his purpose?
To become a big name in Britain.
