Alex Scott, the newest call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad, says his best position is as a No 8, but this week he is likely to be tested in a deeper role. The real battle in England’s midfield is for the No 6 slot, and Scott’s World Cup hopes may depend on how well he can perform there against Serbia and Albania.
Scott has played deeper for Bournemouth and Bristol City and his numbers show he can be effective. But Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson — who has dominated the No 6 role for England since his debut in September — tops the defensive stats for English midfielders in the Premier League. He leads in touches, forward passes, duels won, tackles and recoveries.
Comparing Tuchel’s four defensive midfield options (Anderson, Scott, Jordan Henderson and Adam Wharton) — excluding Declan Rice, whom Tuchel wants further forward — the stats favour Anderson for defensive qualities. Scott is Anderson’s nearest rival for duels won and tackles, and Scott leads Anderson for winning possession in the final third and making interceptions.
Heat maps show Henderson and Wharton are the most naturally deep-lying of the group, with Wharton arguably the purest No 6, seldom venturing into the opponents’ half. Scott is the most dynamic, roaming widely, but would be asked to be much more disciplined if he makes his England debut. Anderson tends to drift to the left, which could be a problem because Rice also prefers that side.
Henderson leads in blocks and ranks highly for long balls and forward passes — attributes Tuchel values to maintain tempo in internationals. Wharton’s strength is his passing and ability to unlock defences; he has created 14 chances this season, only one fewer than Anderson despite playing two fewer Premier League games.
Statistically, Anderson is currently the best defensive option. Tuchel is likely to take four or five central midfielders to the World Cup. With Rice a shoo‑in, Henderson increasingly secure, and Anderson establishing himself internationally, the final spot may come down to Wharton versus Scott — though a player like Kobbie Mainoo could regain prominence later in the season.
Rice will operate as England’s No 8, influencing both attack and defence. His midfield partner must adapt to him, act as a playmaker and provide a defensive shield in front of the back four. Tuchel will also consider which of Anderson, Wharton or Scott can cover for Rice as a box‑to‑box option.
With only four matches before the World Cup squad is selected, this international break — and performances against Serbia and Albania — could be decisive in shaping England’s midfield.