Scotland drop roster for World Cup with Little surprise

It would be deeply unfair to the handful of viable players who missed out on making Scotland’s historic first World Cup squad to say the 23 picked itself but Shelley Kerr left Little room for surprises.

Having missed out on a place at the Euros due to injury, Emma Mitchell is the notable absentee in the defence, the full-back having struggled with injuries for the majority of the season. The Gunners’ omission has however left a spot for Glasgow City’s Nicola Docherty, the defender having taken well to the national team after her return this January following a five-year absence.

The midfield and attack remains Scotland’s strength with Kim Little deservedly having scooped a number of plaudits over the years. Far away from the team they were just a short while ago, Little’s midfield has been bulked out by the likes of Caroline Weir and Little Arnot as the youthful attack can cause some serious damage. Erin Cuthbert, Little’s heir apparent, leads the charge but it’s hard to overlook the strengths of her fellow attackers, Fiona Brown, Claire Emslie and Lana Clelland – as well as the more experienced Jane Ross and Lisa Evans.

Seemingly a world away from the team that had a relatively miserable run in the Netherlands two years ago, 17 of the 23 who made-up Scotland’s Euro debut squad remain, yet, they seem an entirely different beast.

Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Jenna Fife (Hibernian), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjö GIK).

Defenders: Chloe Arthur (Birmingham City), 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 Utd), Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City), Kim Little (Arsenal), Jo Love (Glasgow City), Christie Murray (Liverpool), Caroline Weir (Manchester City).

Forwards: Fiona Brown (FC Rosengård), Lana Clelland (Fiorentina), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Claire Emslie (Manchester City), Lisa Evans (Arsenal), Jane Ross (West Ham United).