Scotland recall Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas in World Cup play-off squad

Sam Kerr and Martha Thomas have been recalled to Scotland’s squad for the Women’s World Cup play-offs against the Czech Republic, BBC Sport reported. Head coach Melissa Andreatta has brought the experienced pair back into the international group alongside Freya Gregory, Sophie Howard and Maria McAneny as Scotland pursue a place at next summer’s tournament in Brazil.

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Kerr, a Liverpool midfielder who has been used at right-back in the Women’s Super League, has not yet played for Scotland under Andreatta. The BBC reported that her most recent international appearance came as a substitute against the Netherlands in February 2025, taking her tally to 34 caps. Her return puts her in contention to make a first appearance for the current head coach.

Thomas joins the squad after moving to Newcastle United in the summer. The forward, now playing in WSL2, reached 50 Scotland appearances in the friendly defeat by Switzerland in October. Newcastle team-mate Gregory also returns, having withdrawn from the previous camp for the qualifying double-header against Israel. Como defender Howard is back after withdrawing from that same camp.

Celtic midfielder McAneny is another returning player. She last featured for Scotland in March, when she scored during the seven-goal victory over Luxembourg. Defenders Leah Eddie and Kenzie Weir are left out of the latest selection, along with forwards Eilidh Adams and Laura Berry. Aston Villa youngster Mia McAulay keeps her place after joining the squad as a late addition for June’s double-header.

Scotland’s first leg against the Czech Republic will take place in Pardubice, east of Prague, on Friday, 9 October. The return fixture is scheduled for St Mirren Park four days later. Victory across the two matches would take Scotland into a further two-legged play-off against either Sweden or Lithuania, with World Cup qualification still to be secured.

Andreatta’s side finished their qualifying group unbeaten and took top spot ahead of Belgium on goal difference, with a margin of one goal separating them. They remain four matches from a first major tournament appearance since the 2019 World Cup. Scotland missed the two subsequent European Championships as well as the 2023 World Cup.