England and Scotland last met at the 2019 World Cup, with the Lionesses winning 2-1
England host Scotland at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Friday evening in the opening game of the UEFA Women’s Nations League for both home nations.
Scotland, on the other hand, is trying to annoy its neighbors on its own doorstep – and it’s about more than just local pride.
The Nations League results will be used to determine the European participants in women’s football at the 2024 Olympics. If England win their group and then reach the final, Team GB will qualify for the Paris Games.
From the group stage, the four league leaders reach the Nations League final in February. In addition to England and Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands are also represented in Group A1.
If Olympic host France does not reach the final of the Nations League, the winner and runner-up will be up for grabs. If France were to reach the final, they would go to third place.
The results of the group stages will also be used to determine the groups for Euro 2025 qualification.
Russo is missing due to “recovery phase”
Alessia Russo trained at St George’s Park on Thursday but will not face Scotland on Friday
Arsenal striker Alessia Russo will not be involved in the game against Scotland, England coach Sarina Wiegman said.
Russo, who took part in her club’s Women’s Champions League qualifiers earlier this month, joined the squad later than other players after what the football association described as a “recovery period”.
Wiegman said, “She’s fine, she’s fine, but before camp I had a conversation with her and came to the conclusion that she needed a little more rest.”
“So she came in yesterday. It won’t be available tomorrow.”
Wiegman said Russo would be available when England face the Netherlands in their second group game in Utrecht on Tuesday.
“She’s a human being, and that’s physical and mental – you can’t see it separately,” Wiegman added.
“We had a conversation and have a team program that we adapt individually.”
“Especially in this phase, when the games are already coming up – we talked about the calendar, such a short turnaround time – you have conversations with the players and they have a feeling.”
The FA confirmed on Wednesday that Wiegman was in line to captain the British team at the Olympics they should qualify.
“Of course it’s very exciting and I’m honored to get this role,” she said. “The Olympic Games are also a very special tournament and that’s exactly what we want to play – big tournaments. But there is still a long way to go.”
“England will know they face a tough test”
Caroline Weir wants Scotland to show the “progress” they have made over the last year since failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Real Madrid star Caroline Weir could be one Scotland player Wiegman will consider if Team GB qualify for the Olympics, but at the moment the former Manchester City midfielder’s “complete focus” is on the game against the old enemy.
Weir played a role in the World Cup defeat to England in 2019 but is keen to show what “progress” Scotland has made over the last year.
These included victories over Australia and Costa Rica, both of which took part in the 2023 World Cup.
“This is where we want to be,” said Weir, 28. “We know it will be difficult, but this is where we can learn, improve and challenge ourselves.”
“I really think we’ve made progress over the last six months but you can see it here and these are the type of games we need to be in.”
“We have great respect for what England have done over the last 12 months but I think they know they have a tough test ahead of them – we are well on our way ourselves. We think it’s a great time to play against them.”
Pedro Martinez Losa’s side are unbeaten in their last six games and he believes there has been a “change in mentality” within his squad that they are good enough to compete at the highest level.
“We felt like we did a lot of good things on the pitch, but we were missing that final step,” said the head coach.
“That comes with time, consistency and the mentality of the team. Once we were able to get some positive results, the players’ attitudes changed and they believed in themselves.”
“We have insisted to the players that we have to do this, but sometimes actions are stronger than words.”
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