TheFA.com Factfile
Name Alex Scott
Age 20
Height 5ft 11ins
Position Full Back/Midfield
Club Birmingham City
England Caps 2
Goals 0

Alex has impressed at club and international level over the past twelve months and since her close-season move from Arsenal, has played up front and in midfield for her club.

When Hope Powell came to see Birmingham take on Everton in early September, Alex was deployed at right-back, a position that she made her international debut at later that same month against The Netherlands. It was, as she told TheFA.com’s Tony Leighton “an absolute shock, but the best ever feeling she’s had in the game.”

How is the preparation going for Euro 2005?
So far, so good! I’ve been working very hard on my fitness and at the current time I feel physically more prepared for games than ever. As part of the England set-up each player receives a tailored fitness programme that we have to work on around our work and individual lifestyles.

This means that I do a weights session twice a week, work on my general fitness and also concentrate on the nutritional advice I receive so that come the end of May when the final squad is announced, I have given myself the best possible chance of being involved.

How big an event for the country’s sporting audience will it be?
I’m naturally biased but I think it is a huge event and one that will hopefully really put women’s football on the map. The men’s season will have finished, there are no other games, and some of the best teams in world football will be involved, so I think there is a big incentive for people to come and watch the games.

With the tournament on home soil, there is a little bit of pressure on the squad to perform but we all want to put on a good show and prove what we can do. This will hopefully then result in more people coming to games in the future, and equally importantly, inspire more girls and women to take up the game too.

Which countries will be the main threat?
Germany and Sweden are currently ranked one and two in the world and featured in the last World Cup Final in 2003, so they are the teams to beat really. Of the other six teams, including ourselves, we can all beat each other on the day, but I will be thinking that we can beat anyone, otherwise what’s the point in taking to the field if you think in your head that you’ll lose?

Which players should fans look out for at the tournament?
As one of the younger players I’ve heard a lot about Birgit Prinz. She is big, strong, good with the ball at her feet and was voted as FIFA World Women’s Player of the Year.

England fans coming to our last group game will also be able to see Sweden’s Hannah Ljungberg. No relation to Freddie I don’t think, but she is quick, very skilful and a great role model for young, budding footballers.

What would you describe as England’s strengths, particularly for someone who hasn’t seen the team play before?
We are a young team whose average squad age is 23. As a unit we have a lot of skilful players who, the longer we are together, are becoming tactically more astute as well, which we are working on obviously at the training camps.

Some people will resort to clichés and think it’s all kick and rush, but with players like Kelly Smith in our squad, we can also boast one of the best women’s players in the world who looks to pass and move, take people on and open up defences.

Playing our games at Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers there is a chance for football lovers of all ages to come and cheer the England team on, and we really hope to see some big crowds to provide further motivation!

How would you rate England’s chances?

The draw was very good as we could have been in the same group as Sweden and Germany. The first two games against Finland and Denmark are not easy at all, but if we can start with a good result, then obviously the confidence will build in the camp.

My first goal is to play well and try and make the squad. Then, the closer we get to June 5th, I may start to get bolder in my predictions.
QUICK QUESTIONS

What is your occupation?
Student

Who has been the most influential person(s) on your career to date?
Edwin Lewis and England Youth Coach and former England Captain Mo Marley

When did you first start playing football?
I used to go and watch my older brother play football every week as a kid and first started playing in teams when I was eight.

Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
I always have to listen to music before a game

What is your favourite food?
Chicken, rice and peas

Who is your favourite band?
I like Lauryn Hill and any R&B music.

Any hobbies outside of football?
As one of the younger players at Arsenal they used to say I was a member of the Junior Gunners and should go to all the kids social events, but when I’m not training I like to chill out and listen to music.

Which sports personalities do you admire and why?
Kelly Holmes as she bounced back from adversity to win two gold medals and Ian Wright as he’s an Arsenal legend, had a huge personality and was a great player when I was growing up.

Describe yourself in five words?
Shy, friendly, athletic, lively and happy

What are your ambitions for 2005 and beyond?
To be selected for Euro 2005 and then to establish myself as a Senior England International and win medals. When I’ve finished playing I’d like to set up my own business but am still working on ideas!