Scotland women’s national football team have announced their 26-player squad for the first round of the Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs, with head coach Melissa Andreatta making two significant recalls to bolster her ranks.
Forward Sam Kerr and Newcastle striker Martha Thomas return to the squad after extended absences, reinforcing Scotland’s attacking options as they prepare for matches against the Czech Republic and a home fixture at St Mirren Park.
Andreatta emphasized the tactical advantage Kerr brings to her setup, highlighting the player’s multifaceted skill set as a major asset in the campaign. “I love versatility, it’s great to have a balance in the squad but it’s great to have a player who has a position as their priority, but they have a position they can be moved into as well. It’s a super strength,” the head coach stated.
Strategic squad building
The inclusion of both Kerr and Thomas reflects Andreatta’s approach to constructing a squad capable of navigating the intensity of World Cup qualifying play-offs. Thomas’s return from the Newcastle ranks adds depth to Scotland’s attacking department, while Kerr’s positional flexibility provides tactical options across multiple areas of the pitch.
The 26-player group will now prepare for the opening phase of qualifying, with both legs of the play-off tie critical to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup finals. The first encounter takes place against the Czech Republic before Scotland hosts the return leg at St Mirren Park, giving Andreatta’s side home advantage in the second match.