Scotland recall Kerr and Thomas for World Cup playoff path
Head coach Melissa Andreatta names Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas in their first squad in almost a year for October play-offs against Czech Republic.
What to know
- Kerr and Thomas return to Scotland after 11-month absences with their squad unbeaten in World Cup qualifying.
- Two-legged play-off against Czech Republic in October determines progression to semi-final against Sweden or Lithuania for Brazil 2027 World Cup place.
- Andreatta values squad depth and positional versatility, citing experience as Matildas assistant in 2023 World Cup as foundation for selection philosophy.
- Scotland have missed the past two European Championships and 2023 World Cup; their last major tournament was 2019 World Cup.
“You need more than a 12-13 player roster to get deep into a tournament, and I am going to be that glass-half full optimist that says, 'that is where we want to be, that is where we want to get to'.”
Melissa Andreatta, Scotland women's head coach · BBC Sport ↗
Melissa Andreatta Scotland women's head coach
Sam Kerr Midfielder/right-back, LiverpoolMartha Thomas Striker, Newcastle United
How it unfolded 1 development · click the chart to see its coverage articles
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Scotland hosts Czech Republic for play-off second leg at St Mirren Park — Scotland welcomes the Czech Republic to St Mirren Park four days after the first leg in Pardubice.
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Scotland travels to Czech Republic for first leg of play-off — Scotland will travel to Pardubice, east of Prague, for the opening match of the two-legged play-off against the Czech Republic.
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“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.”
— Melissa Andreatta -
4 outlets first by BBC, 4d ago · also Yahoo Sports, BBC Sport, BBC Football · read ↗
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