Two Rangers teenagers have received late call-ups to the Scotland women's squad ahead of a crucial double header in Women's World Cup qualifying, with Laura Berry and Mia McAulay stepping in following the withdrawals of Sophie Howard and Freya Gregory.
Late changes to Andreatta's squad
Como defender Sophie Howard and Newcastle United forward Freya Gregory have both pulled out of Melissa Andreatta's squad, opening the door for the Rangers pair to travel. The timing is significant for both players, who were on the losing side in Sunday's Women's Scottish Cup final against Celtic — a defeat softened somewhat by this unexpected international recognition.
Berry, a winger, is currently 18 years old and uncapped at senior level. She turns 19 on 11 June, by which time she could have already made her full international debut depending on Andreatta's selections. McAulay, a midfielder who is already 19, has four senior caps to her name and will be looking to add to that tally over what could be a pivotal few days for Scottish women's football.
What's at stake in Budapest
Scotland head into the final two Group B4 fixtures as leaders, though only on goal difference from Belgium. Both sides remain unbeaten, but the Belgians face bottom side Luxembourg in their remaining games — a team that has conceded 21 goals in four outings — making it likely that Belgium will have the chance to overhaul Scotland's four-goal advantage.
Crucially, these matches will not be played on home soil. Both games against Israel have been moved to the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, with fixtures scheduled for Friday 6 June and Tuesday 9 June. Israel sit two points behind the top two and would need back-to-back wins against Scotland to harbour any realistic hope of topping the section.
The stakes are considerable. The group winner earns promotion to League A of the Nations League, while the top three sides from the group will advance to a play-off series for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup finals in Brazil.
A squad with genuine depth
The full squad reflects the growing reach of Scottish women's football across top European and American leagues. Sandy MacIver is among the goalkeepers, while the outfield contingent includes Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert, Caroline Weir of Real Madrid, and Christy Grimshaw, who plays for AC Milan. Jenna Clark and Kirsty Maclean represent Liverpool, while Kenzie Weir is on loan at Ipswich Town from Everton.
Berry and McAulay join a forward and midfield group that already includes the experienced Claire Emslie, currently with Angel City in the United States, and Kirsty Hanson of Aston Villa.
For two players who experienced the low of a cup final defeat just days ago, the chance to represent their country at this stage of qualification is a significant turnaround. Whether either features against Israel remains Andreatta's call, but both will arrive in Budapest with something to prove.
- Scotland vs Israel (Game 1): Friday 6 June, Bozsik Arena, Budapest
- Scotland vs Israel (Game 2): Tuesday 9 June, Bozsik Arena, Budapest
Frequently asked
- Why are Scotland's World Cup qualifier games against Israel being played in Budapest?
- Both of Scotland's remaining Group B4 Women's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Israel have been moved to the Bozsik Arena in Budapest. The matches take place on 6 and 9 June 2025.
- How do Scotland qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup?
- Scotland need to finish in the top three of their qualifying group to reach a play-off round for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The group winner also earns promotion to League A of the Women's Nations League.
- How many caps does Mia McAulay have for Scotland women?
- Mia McAulay has four senior caps for Scotland women. The Rangers midfielder was called up as a late replacement after Freya Gregory withdrew from the squad.