London (AFP) – Scotland boss Shelley Kerr has urged her side to embrace the challenge in France after announcing the 23 players who will represent the country at their first ever Women’s World Cup finals.
Kerr’s team will take on England, Japan and Argentina in the group stages and she has backed the squad to reach the knockout rounds.
“It’s our first time at the World Cup but the target has already been set,” said Kerr. “We want to get out of the group stages.
“The most important thing though is that we embrace the occasion and have an enjoyable tournament. But it’s more enjoyable if we win games and I have every confidence in this group of players that they can get us out of the group stages.”
Arsenal star Kim Little is set to make her first appearance at a major finals after making Kerr’s squad, having previously missed out on Euro 2017 through injury.
Manchester City defender Jennifer Beattie, daughter of former Scotland and British and Irish Lion rugby international John, has also secured her place on the flight to Nice, where Scotland will kick off their tournament against England on June 9.
“Throughout the campaign we have shown character in abundance and resilience. But the biggest thing is we have a talented group of players and that will stand us in good stead going to the World Cup,” said Kerr.
Scotland squad:
Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Jenna Fife (Hibs), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo GIK)
Defenders: Chloe Arthur (Birmingham), Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City), Rachel Corsie (Utah Royals), Nicola Docherty (Glasgow City), Sophie Howard (Reading), Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City), Joelle Murray (Hibernian), Kirsty Smith (Manchester Utd)
Midfielders: Lizzie Arnot (Manchester United), Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City), Kim Little (Arsenal), Jo Love (Glasgow City), Christie Murray (Liverpool), Caroline Weir (Manchester City)
Forwards: Fiona Brown (FC Rosengard), Lana Clelland (Fiorentina), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Claire Emslie (Manchester City), Lisa Evans (Arsenal), Jane Ross (West Ham)
