Scotland Women’s Football Team Ready for Double-Header Friendlies
The Scotland Women’s Football Team is gearing up for a double-header of friendlies against Northern Ireland and Finland, with the matches serving as preparation for the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League which starts in September. The Scotland team, led by manager Pedro Martinez Losa, will be looking to make a statement in the upcoming matches after failing to qualify for this year’s Women’s World Cup following a play-off defeat to Republic of Ireland.
The first match of the double-header will take place on Friday, 14 July at Dens Park in Dundee, with kick-off at 19:35 BST. The match will be broadcast live on BBC Scotland, iPlayer and BBC Sport website.
Team News
Aston Villa defender Rachel Corsie, 33, had been set for a comeback after missing Scotland’s wins over Australia and Costa Rica in April with a knee injury. However, she has been ruled out of the double-header due to an unspecified injury and is replaced by Celtic skipper Kelly Clark, 29, who has four caps.
Scotland Squad
The Scotland squad for the double-header friendlies is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK)
Defenders: Nicola Docherty (Glasgow City), Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City), Joelle Murray (Hibernian), Kirsty Smith (Manchester United), Sophie Howard (Reading), Chloe Arthur (Birmingham City), Kelly Clark (Celtic)
Midfielders: Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City), Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City), Lizzie Arnot (Manchester United), Lisa Evans (Arsenal), Christie Murray (Reading), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)
Forwards: Fiona Brown (FC Rosengard), Claire Emslie (Manchester City), Lana Clelland (Fiorentina), Jane Ross (West Ham United)
Northern Ireland Preview
Scotland will be looking to make a strong start to the double-header when they face Northern Ireland on Friday. The two sides have met in a competitive match only once before, with Scotland coming out on top in a 2-1 victory in the 2019 World Cup qualifiers. Northern Ireland have been in good form recently, having won their last three matches and scoring nine goals in the process. Scotland will need to be at their best if they are to come away with a win.
Finland Preview
Scotland will then travel to Finland on Tuesday for the second match of the double-header. Finland have been in good form recently, having won their last four matches and scoring 15 goals in the process. Scotland will need to be at their best if they are to come away with a win.
Conclusion
The Scotland Women’s Football Team are ready for their double-header of friendlies against Northern Ireland and Finland as they look to make a statement ahead of the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League which starts in September. With Rachel Corsie out due to an unspecified injury, the team will be looking to Celtic skipper Kelly Clark to step up and help them get the results they need. The matches will provide a good test for the team as they look to build momentum ahead of the Nations League.