Two Rangers teenagers have been handed late call-ups to the Scotland Women's squad ahead of pivotal Women's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Israel, with the pair earning their chance after injuries forced changes to Melissa Andreatta's original selection.

Withdrawals open the door for Rangers duo

Laura Berry and Mia McAulay have been added to the Scotland squad following the withdrawal of Como centre-half Sophie Howard and Newcastle United forward Freya Gregory. Both teenagers will have needed little motivation after experiencing the disappointment of a Women's Scottish Cup final defeat against Celtic on Sunday, and Andreatta will hope international duty provides the ideal remedy.

Berry, who turns 19 on 11 June, is uncapped at senior level and could make her full international debut before her birthday passes. McAulay, already 19, enters this camp with four caps to her name and will be keen to add to that tally.

What is at stake in Budapest

Scotland's two closing Group B4 fixtures against Israel have been moved to the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, with games scheduled for Friday, 6 June and Tuesday, 9 June.

Scotland currently lead the section on goal difference from Belgium, and both sides remain unbeaten. However, the mathematics of the group mean Andreatta's side cannot afford to be complacent. Belgium face bottom side Luxembourg — a team that has already conceded 21 goals in four games — in their own double header, giving them an excellent opportunity to overhaul Scotland's four-goal advantage at the top.

Israel sit two points behind Scotland and Belgium. While two wins over Scotland would theoretically offer the Israelis an outside chance of topping the group, the results would need to fall in their favour elsewhere, making it a long shot. Nevertheless, Scotland will want to make certain of their position rather than relying on any slip-up from the Belgians.

The group winners earn promotion to League A for the next Nations League cycle, while the top three teams from Group B4 progress to the play-offs for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup finals in Brazil — giving Scotland every incentive to finish first.

A talented squad with significant depth

The full squad reflects the growing depth of the Scottish women's game, featuring players from clubs across Europe and North America. Erin Cuthbert of Chelsea and Caroline Weir, who plays her club football at Real Madrid, bring experience in the middle of the park, while Sandy MacIver of Washington Spirit provides senior presence in goal.

The inclusion of Berry and McAulay, both products of the Rangers academy, underlines how domestic Scottish football continues to produce players capable of stepping up to international level at short notice. For two teenagers who lost a cup final just days ago, representing Scotland in matches with genuine World Cup implications is a significant opportunity to bounce back.

Scotland Women's squad for Israel qualifiers

  • Goalkeepers: Sandy MacIver (Washington Spirit), Eartha Cumings (Manchester City), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)
  • Defenders: Amy Muir (Glasgow City), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Georgia Brown (Jacksonville), Jenna Clark (Liverpool), Leah Eddie (Rangers), Kenzie Weir (Everton, on loan at Ipswich Town), Emma Lawton (Celtic), Rachel McLauchlan (Brighton and Hove Albion), Miri Taylor (Aston Villa)
  • Midfielders: Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid), Christy Grimshaw (AC Milan), Kirsty Maclean (Liverpool), Chelsea Cornet (Birmingham City), Mia McAulay (Rangers)
  • Forwards: Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Kirsty Howat (Crystal Palace), Eilidh Adams (Hibernian), Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian), Claire Emslie (Angel City), Lauren Davidson (Brann), Laura Berry (Rangers)

Frequently asked

When do Scotland Women play Israel in the World Cup qualifier?
Scotland face Israel twice in the Bozsik Arena, Budapest — on Friday, 6 June and Tuesday, 9 June 2025, in the closing Group B4 games of Women's World Cup qualifying.
Who dropped out of the Scotland Women's squad?
Como defender Sophie Howard and Newcastle United forward Freya Gregory both withdrew from the squad, with Rangers pair Laura Berry and Mia McAulay called up as their replacements.
What do Scotland Women need to qualify for the 2027 World Cup?
A top-three finish in Group B4 would take Scotland into the play-offs for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. Finishing top would also earn promotion to League A of the Nations League.