Two Rangers teenagers have received late call-ups to the Scotland Women's squad ahead of a decisive double header against Israel in Women's World Cup qualifying — a welcome boost for the pair just days after suffering a Women's Scottish Cup final defeat.

The call-ups explained

Laura Berry, an uncapped 18-year-old winger, and midfielder Mia McAulay have been added to Melissa Andreatta's squad following the withdrawals of Como centre-half Sophie Howard and Newcastle United forward Freya Gregory.

Berry turns 19 on 11 June, meaning she could make her full senior debut before her birthday arrives. McAulay, already 19, has four caps to her name and will be eager to add to that tally over the coming week.

The call-ups arrive just a matter of days after both players were on the losing side in Sunday's Women's Scottish Cup final against Celtic, making the international recognition a timely piece of good news.

What is at stake in Group B4

Scotland travel to Budapest, where both matches against Israel have been moved to the Bozsik Arena. The first fixture takes place on Friday, with a second meeting on Tuesday, 9 June.

Scotland currently lead Group B4 on goal difference from Belgium, with both nations unbeaten throughout the campaign. The Belgians, however, have an easier-looking final fixture set against Luxembourg, who have conceded 21 goals in four games. Belgium will be confident of overturning Scotland's four-goal advantage if results go their way.

Israel sit two points behind both Scotland and Belgium and would require two victories over the Scots — results that would count as genuine upsets — to have any realistic prospect of topping the group.

The stakes are considerable. The group winners earn promotion to League A of the Nations League, while the top three sides also advance to the play-offs for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup finals in Brazil.

The full squad

The Scotland squad in full is as follows:

  • 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)

A chance to put the cup final hurt aside

Losing a domestic cup final is never easy, but international football has a way of refocusing minds quickly. For Berry in particular, the prospect of earning a first senior cap at what could be a pivotal moment in Scotland's qualifying campaign is a remarkable turnaround in fortunes over the space of a few days.

McAulay will be similarly motivated. Four caps in at 19 years of age, she now has the opportunity to make a genuine contribution as Scotland look to hold off Belgium and secure their route towards Brazil 2027.

Andreatta's side go into the Israel double header knowing that anything other than maximum points could hand Belgium the initiative. The market reflects Scotland as firm favourites against an Israeli side struggling at the foot of the group, but form tables count for little when qualification is on the line.

Frequently asked

When do Scotland Women play Israel in the World Cup qualifiers?
Scotland face Israel twice in Budapest at the Bozsik Arena — on Friday 6 June and Tuesday 9 June 2025, in their final Group B4 fixtures.
What does Scotland need to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup?
Scotland need to finish in the top three of Group B4 to reach the play-offs for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. Winning the group would also earn promotion to League A of the Nations League.
Has Laura Berry been capped for Scotland Women before?
No. Laura Berry is uncapped at senior level. The Rangers winger was 18 at the time of her call-up, though she turns 19 on 11 June 2025.