Scotland Women's National Team: A New Era Begins in the Nations League

Interim head coach Michael McArdle revamps the squad as Scotland gears up for crucial Nations League matches.

The Scotland women's national football team is set to embark on a transformative journey as they prepare for their Nations League openers this February. Interim head coach Michael McArdle has made significant changes to the squad, introducing six uncapped players, signaling a fresh start for the team.

New Faces in the Squad

Among the new additions are:

  • Emma Lawton (Celtic) - Defender
  • Eilidh Shore (Hearts) - Midfielder
  • Eilidh Adams (Hibernian) - Forward
  • Freya Gregory (Newcastle United) - Midfielder, who has represented England at youth level.
  • Erin Clachers (Hibernian) - Goalkeeper
  • Mia McAulay (Rangers) - Teen winger

This overhaul comes after a disappointing performance in the Euro 2025 play-off final against Finland, which saw nine players dropped from the previous squad. Notable absences include captain Rachel Corsie, who is sidelined due to injury, and Nicola Docherty, the Rangers skipper who started in Helsinki.

The Road Ahead

Scotland kicks off their Nations League A campaign on February 21 against Austria and will host the Netherlands at Hampden Park four days later. The group also features world-ranked third-place team Germany, making this a challenging yet exciting phase for the squad.

As the Scottish FA continues to search for a permanent head coach, McArdle's leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of women’s football in Scotland. The inclusion of rising stars alongside experienced players aims to blend youthful exuberance with seasoned competence in pursuit of international success.

Scotland's supporters are eager to see how this revamped squad will perform, with the hope that fresh energy will drive the team to achieve their full potential in the upcoming fixtures. With talent and determination, the Scots aim to reclaim a strong standing in European women's football.

Scotland's 2024 Nations League Squad

Goalkeepers:

  • Erin Clachers (Hibernian, on loan from Glasgow City)
  • Eartha Cumings (Rosengard)
  • Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)

Defenders:

  • Jenna Clark (Liverpool)
  • Leah Eddie (Rangers)
  • Sophie Howard (Leicester City)
  • Emma Lawton (Celtic)
  • Rachel McLauchlan (Rangers)
  • Amy Muir (Glasgow City)
  • Kirsty Smith (West Ham)

Midfielders:

  • Chelsea Cornet (Rangers)
  • Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea)
  • Freya Gregory (Newcastle United)
  • Sam Kerr (Liverpool, on loan from Bayern Munich)
  • Kirsty Maclean (Rangers)
  • Eilidh Shore (Hearts)
  • Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)

Forwards:

  • Eilidh Adams (Hibernian)
  • Lauren Davidson (SK Brann)
  • Claire Emslie (Angel City)
  • Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa)
  • Mia McAulay (Rangers)
  • Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur)
  • Emma Watson (Everton, on loan from Manchester United)

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