Kerr returns after nearly a year

Sam Kerr has been named in her first Scotland squad in almost a year after her last cap in February 2025. The Liverpool midfielder has been deployed at right-back this season.

Thomas earns first call since October

Newcastle striker Martha Thomas returns to the squad for the first time since October, when she earned her 50th cap. She joins Kerr in the recall group.

Versatility is Andreatta's priority

Head coach Melissa Andreatta says Kerr's ability to play multiple positions is a super strength. She will keep her tactical plans secret until the play-offs begin.

“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.”

Czech Republic awaits in October

Scotland will travel to Pardubice on October 9 for the first leg, then host the Czech Republic at St Mirren Park four days later. Winners advance to face Sweden or Lithuania.

Squad depth crucial for tournament run

Andreatta emphasizes needing more than 12 to 13 players to go deep in a tournament. She is preparing the squad now to reach next summer's World Cup in Brazil.

“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'.”

Scotland seeks first major tournament since 2019

Scotland topped their qualifying group and are four games away from their first major tournament since the 2019 World Cup. They missed the past two European Championships and the 2023 World Cup.