Claire Emslie has been named in the Scotland squad for their final Women's World Cup qualifying double-header against Israel, just five months after giving birth to her first child.

The Angel City forward welcomed son Jamie in December and made her return to club football on 10 May — Mother's Day in the United States — marking the end of an absence from competitive action that stretched back to 9 May of the previous year. Her return to the Scotland set-up comes more than a year after her last international appearance, when Michael McArdle's side suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat away to Germany in April 2024.

A significant comeback

Emslie's recall is one of three changes to the squad named by head coach Melissa Andreatta. Also returning is Christy Grimshaw, the AC Milan captain, who picks up her first call-up under Andreatta after spending 13 months sidelined with a serious ACL and MCL tear. Her last Scotland appearance came two years ago, making her inclusion another notable story of resilience in this squad.

Uncapped Everton defender Kenzie Weir, currently on loan at Ipswich Town, completes the new additions after featuring as a replacement in last month's squad. The trio come in to replace Charlotte Newsham, who is recovering from an ACL injury, Maria McAneny, absent with a hip problem, and Rangers teenager Mia McAulay.

Scotland in a strong position

Scotland go into these fixtures in an encouraging position. They top Group B4 on goal difference and have already secured a place in the play-offs later this year, meaning Andreatta's side are unbeaten in the group stage. With qualification for the final stages of the World Cup cycle still a real possibility, both matches carry genuine weight despite Scotland's safety already being assured.

The first fixture takes place on Friday, 6 June, with a 17:00 BST kick-off, before the final group game on Tuesday, 10 June at 18:00 BST. Both matches will be played behind closed doors at Budapest's Bozsik Arena in Hungary, a neutral venue arrangement that applies to all teams in Group B4 according to the Scottish FA, though no further explanation has been offered for why neither fixture is being staged in Scotland.

A squad that tells its own story

Beyond the headline names, the wider squad reflects a healthy depth in Scottish women's football. Caroline Weir continues her involvement from Real Madrid, Erin Cuthbert is named from Chelsea, and Eartha Cumings keeps goal for Manchester City. There are representatives from the WSL, the NWSL, Serie A, and beyond.

Emslie's inclusion is particularly striking given the timeline. Returning to top-level international football within five months of childbirth is no small feat, physically or logistically, and her willingness to put herself forward — and Andreatta's readiness to select her — speaks to the professional seriousness with which the Scotland camp is operating ahead of these critical qualifiers.

If Scotland can extend their unbeaten record and continue building momentum into the play-off phase, Andreatta will have good reason to be satisfied with the direction of travel. Emslie, for her part, will simply be focused on proving she is back.

Frequently asked

When are Scotland women's next World Cup qualifying games?
Scotland play Israel in a double-header on Friday, 6 June (17:00 BST) and Tuesday, 10 June (18:00 BST). Both games are behind closed doors at Budapest's Bozsik Arena in Hungary.
Have Scotland women qualified for the World Cup play-offs?
Yes. Scotland have already secured their place in the Women's World Cup play-offs and currently top Group B4 on goal difference going into the final two qualifying matches.
Why are Scotland playing their 'home' game in Hungary?
The Scottish FA has said the decision to use a neutral venue is in line with the other teams in Group B4, though no further detail has been provided on why the matches are not being held in Scotland.