Declan Rice has welcomed the competition from Alex Scott for an England starting place, as Arsenal are linked with a potential big-money move for the Bournemouth midfielder.
Scott has impressed for club and country, earning his first senior England caps during the previous international break. The 23-year-old made his debut as a substitute in September's 2-0 Nations League win away to the Czech Republic, before being handed his first start by Thomas Tuchel in last month's 7-0 victory over Croatia.
Scott picked up a thigh injury during that camp, which was initially feared could keep him out for up to two months. The issue proved less serious than first thought, and he returned to the Bournemouth bench for their last match against Ipswich.
Rice on competition for places
Although Scott has been unable to push his case for further England involvement during the current international window, Rice knows he will quickly be challenging for a regular role in Tuchel's midfield.
"To be honest, Alex Scott playing was incredible," Rice said ahead of Sunday's clash with world champions Spain in Madrid, per The Mirror. "The way he's been playing for Bournemouth the last two or three seasons has been remarkable.
"The way he's being spoken about is totally right because of the levels he's set for himself and I totally understand playing for England comes with competition.
"When we [Arsenal] signed Bruno Guimaraes, when we signed [Martin] Zubimendi, when we had Myles [Lewis-Skelly], [Mikel] Merino, [Martin] Odegaard, you're competing with six midfielders at your club every day so for me there's nothing different.
"Throughout my whole career there's been competition. It's normal."
Arsenal join transfer race
Rice could yet line up with Scott at club level, with reports last week claiming Arsenal have joined Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for his services ahead of the January transfer window.
The i Paper reported that all three clubs had made initial contact with Bournemouth over possible moves for the former Bristol City player. Chelsea saw a number of summer bids rejected for Scott, who has turned down multiple offers from his current employers to extend a contract due to expire in June 2028.
The Telegraph has since reported that Bournemouth intend to reject interest in key assets Scott, Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi in January as they attempt to qualify for Europe for the second season in succession. This follows previous suggestions that a surprise U-turn had made an exit likely in the New Year if an offer was received in excess of £100m.
