Claire Emslie has been handed a Scotland recall for their final Women's World Cup qualifying double-header against Israel, returning to international football just five months after giving birth to her first child.

The Angel City forward welcomed son Jamie in December and made her comeback for the NWSL club on 10 May — which, as it happened, was Mother's Day in the United States. It was her first club appearance since 9 May of last year, making the turnaround all the more remarkable.

Her last Scotland appearance came in April 2024, when head coach Melissa Andreatta's predecessor Michael McArdle oversaw a 6-1 defeat in Germany. That heavy loss feels a long time ago now: Scotland sit top of Group B4 on goal difference and have already sealed their place in the World Cup qualifying play-offs later this year.

Grimshaw and Weir also come in

Emslie is one of three changes to the squad. AC Milan captain Christy Grimshaw earns her first call-up under Andreatta after a gruelling 13-month absence caused by a combined ACL and MCL tear, having last featured for her country two years ago. Her return to club form for the Italian side has clearly caught the attention of the Scotland coaching staff.

Uncapped Everton defender Kenzie Weir, currently on loan at Ipswich Town, completes the new additions after coming in as a replacement last month. She steps into a squad that also includes the likes of Caroline Weir of Real Madrid and Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert, underlining the quality Scotland are now able to call upon.

The three arrivals replace Charlotte Newsham, who is sidelined with an ACL injury, Maria McAneny, who has a hip problem, and Rangers teenager Mia McAulay.

Both matches played in Hungary

The double-header will be held behind closed doors at Budapest's Bozsik Arena in Hungary — a quirk of the scheduling that the Scottish FA has explained by noting that all teams in Group B4 agreed to play their remaining matches at a neutral venue. The decision has raised eyebrows among supporters who would have expected at least the nominal home fixture to take place on Scottish soil, but no further detail has been offered.

Scotland face Israel first on Friday, 6 June at 17:00 BST, before concluding their group campaign on Tuesday, 10 June at 18:00 BST.

With a play-off berth already secured, the results in Hungary carry less weight in terms of tournament progression, but maintaining momentum and keeping players sharp ahead of what could be a defining few months for Scottish women's football remains the priority for Andreatta.

A squad full of depth

The full squad reflects a healthy spread of talent across leagues. Manchester City's Eartha Cumings is among the goalkeepers, while the outfield contingent features players from the WSL, Serie A, Liga F and the NWSL. Emslie's recall adds a narrative thread that will resonate well beyond the game itself — a forward returning to the international stage after one of the most significant moments a person can experience, and doing so at pace.

For a team on the cusp of reaching the World Cup play-offs, her experience and proven eye for goal could yet prove crucial in the matches that matter most.

Frequently asked

When are Scotland's next Women's World Cup qualifying matches?
Scotland play Israel twice in Hungary at Budapest's Bozsik Arena. The first match is on Friday, 6 June at 17:00 BST, with the second on Tuesday, 10 June at 18:00 BST. Both games will be played behind closed doors.
Has Scotland qualified for the Women's World Cup?
Scotland have not yet qualified, but they have secured a place in the play-offs by topping Group B4 on goal difference. The play-off rounds will take place later in 2025.
Why are Scotland playing their home game in Hungary?
The Scottish FA has stated that the decision to use a neutral venue — Budapest's Bozsik Arena — is in line with the other teams in Group B4. No further explanation has been provided as to why the matches are not being held in Scotland.