Scotland recall Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas for Women's World Cup play-offs

Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas have been named in their first Scotland squad in almost a year as the experienced duo return for next month’s Women’s World Cup round-one two-legged play-off against the Czech Republic.

Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas return to Scotland squad for World Cup play-offs

Melissa Andreatta’s side travel to Pardubice, east of Prague, on Friday, 9 October before welcoming the Czechs to St Mirren Park four days later, eyeing progression to another two-legged play-off against either Sweden or Lithuania with a place at next summer’s tournament in Brazil at stake.

Returns and changes

Liverpool midfielder Kerr – who has been playing out of position at right-back in the WSL – has yet to feature under Scotland women’s Australian head coach, with the last of her 34 caps coming in February 2025 off the bench against the Netherlands.

Thomas, who joined WSL2 side Newcastle United in the summer, earned her 50th cap in October in a friendly defeat by Switzerland.

Club-mate Freya Gregory – and Como defender Sophie Howard – who were forced to pull out of the last camp for the qualifying double-header against Israel, are also back in the squad.

Celtic midfielder Maria McAneny – who last featured when scoring in a seven-goal thrashing of Luxembourg in March – returns too.

Defenders Leah Eddie and Kenzie Weir drop out, as do strikers Eilidh Adams and Laura Berry. Mia McAulay was a late addition for the June double-header, but the Aston Villa youngster retains her place.

Road to Brazil

Andreatta’s unbeaten side topped their qualifying group on goal difference – one better off than second-placed Belgium – and are now four games away from their first major tournament since the 2019 World Cup, having missed the past two European Championships and the 2023 World Cup.

Scotland draw Czech Republic in round one of World Cup play-offs, published 18 June.

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Eartha Cumings (Manchester City), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City), Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit).

Defenders: Georgia Brown (Jacksonville), Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Como), Emma Lawton (Ipswich Town), Rachel McLauchlan (Newcastle United), Amy Muir (Glasgow City).

Midfielders: Chelsea Cornet (Birmingham City), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Christy Grimshaw (AC Milan), Sam Kerr (Liverpool), Kirsty Maclean (Liverpool), Maria McAneny (Celtic), Miri Taylor (Aston Villa), Caroline Weir (Lyon).

Forwards: Lauren Davidson (Brann), Claire Emslie (Angel City), Freya Gregory (Newcastle United), Kirsty Hanson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kirsty Howat (Crystal Palace), Mia McAulay (Aston Villa), Kathleen McGovern (Newcastle United), Martha Thomas (Newcastle United).