Scots recall Kerr & Thomas for World Cup play-offs

Scotland recall star players Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas for an upcoming World Cup play-off against the Czech Republic. The experienced duo will face off in a two-legged match, with the Scottish side set to travel to Pardubice, east of Prague, on Friday, October 9th before welcoming their opponents at St Mirren Park four days later. The play-off hopes rests on Scotland progressing to a further two-legged play-off against either Sweden or Lithuania with a coveted spot at the 2023 World Cup in Brazil at stake.

Kerr, who has been playing right-back in the Women's Super League, is yet to grace Scotland's team under the Australian head coach, with her last appearance being off the bench against the Netherlands in February 2025. Thomas, who joined Newcastle United in the summer, earned her 50th cap in a friendly loss to Switzerland in October.

Newcastle United's Freya Gregory and Como's Sophie Howard are rejoining the squad following recent absences due to injuries. Celtic midfielder Maria McAneny, who last featured in a seven-goal victory over Luxembourg in March, also returns. Defenders Leah Eddie and Kenzie Weir, along with strikers Eilidh Adams and Laura Berry, are dropped from the squad. Mia McAulay, who was a late inclusion for the June double-header, retains her place in the team.

Scotland topped their qualifying group on goal difference, one goal ahead of second-placed Belgium and are now only four games away from their first major tournament since the 2019 World Cup, having skipped the past two European Championships and the 2023 World Cup. The Scottish side will face the Czech Republic in the first round of play-offs, starting with an away game on October 9th followed by a return match at St Mirren Park on October 13th.