England footballer Alex Scott urges fans to spur them on to European glory
England footballer Alex Scott has issued a rallying cry to supporters, urging them to spur the team on to European success.
The Guernsey-born midfielder is expected to start Saturday evening's Euro Under-21 Final against Germany in Bratislava and believes the Three Lions' fans could make the difference.
He says: "A massive thank you for supporting so far, we're going to need you for one more game.
"I see all the messages and kind words from people back home and it would be nice to come back with a winner's medal next week."
The young Premier League player struggled with injury at points last season, starting around half of AFC Bournemouth's league games and calls it "one of the toughest periods I've had in football so far".
Scott then broke his jaw and required surgery towards the end of the campaign after being caught by Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings' elbow, requiring him to wear a protective chin strap during this tournament.
He explains: "That's just been my luck ... The heat doesn't help at all. At any point I can, I take it off and have a little breather from the chin strap but it's fine.
"I've adapted and if we end up winning, I'm probably going to have to keep wearing it for next season. It'll be a little lucky charm, hopefully."
Scott netted against Germany at the group stage, albeit during a 2-1 defeat, and hopes he can get on the scoresheet once again as the two historic rivals face off for the trophy.
He says: "I need to score more goals so that was nice to get my first for the under-21s and to do it in a tournament too makes it extra special.
"Hopefully, I can do it again in the final; that would be one of my best moments in football if I managed to do that.
"I'll be doing everything I can for this badge that's on my chest because it's massive for the country. We'll be ready for the final and everybody's looking forward to it."
Scott will be supported by family and friends who are in Slovakia to watch the big game, including his parents and grandparents.
He adds: "It's been great to have them around and when we get a bit of free time, I can go out into the old town here, have a coffee and catch up with them because during the season, I don't get to see them too often.
"Obviously, the travelling is tough but they've done everything they can to come out here and support me so I'm very grateful for them and hopefully we can lift the trophy together after the game."
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