# Scotland recalls Kerr and Thomas for World Cup play-offs

> Head coach Melissa Andreatta brings back two key players for the Czech Republic matches as Scotland eyes a return to the World Cup.
- Title: Scotland recalls Kerr and Thomas for World Cup play-offs
- Summary: Head coach Melissa Andreatta brings back two key players for the Czech Republic matches as Scotland eyes a return to the World Cup. Scotland is recalling…
- Keywords: scotland women's football, sam kerr, martha thomas, melissa andreatta, world cup play-offs, czech republic, women's world cup, squad recall, liverpool, newcastle united, sports, Scotland
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c63d7ypd11ydo
- Published: 2026-09-23T10:00:26.351+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: scotland women's football, sam kerr, martha thomas, melissa andreatta, world cup play-offs, czech republic, women's world cup, squad recall, liverpool, newcastle united, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Scotland is recalling experienced players like Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas to build squad depth for their World Cup play-off push against the Czech Republic.