Scotland Women's Football Team

Pedro Martinez Losa has been speaking to the media as final preparations for Scotland's Nations League game against England on Tuesday take place.

Here's the key points from his press conference:

• He is excited about finishing off the campaign in front of a home crowd at Hampden and against a "high level opponent" like England.

• The head coach has been unhappy with the "very negative" questioning of players' integrity with an Olympics spot at stake - England need to beat Scotland for Team GB to have a chance of securing their place - players are desperate to represent their nation and Olympics question hasn't come into conversation.

• England haven't won away from home in their Nations League group, Scotland "can stop them winning" at Hampden.

• He added the squad are "focused" on qualifying for the Euros via a different route.

• The Spainard confirmed Erin Cuthbert given the all clear and is available for selection despite her injury against Belgium.

Image source, SNS

Scotland are "due a big result" as Pedro Martinez Losa's side get set to host England in their final Women's Nations League Group A1 game on Tuesday.

That's according to BBC Scotland journalist and commentator Thomas Duncan, who told the Scottish Football Podcast that the national team have the chance to "do themselves justice" against the Auld Enemy at Hampden.

Scotland have already been resigned to bottom of the group and relegation into Nations League B for the next instalment of the tournament.

England are in need of a big win if they have any hope of pipping the Netherlands to the top spot, with ramifications for Team GB's hopes of being at the Paris Olympics next summer.

"I think England have struggled a bit since the come down from the World Cup, and they've obviously had a few injuries, but they would have expected to win this group," Duncan said.

"They obviously lost to Belgium, which was a big surprise, lost one to the Netherlands as well.

"It was a great comeback the other night [against the Netherlands] but I don't think they are firing on all cylinders. So that's an opportunity for Scotland, especially at home.

"I think the players deserve backing, especially in a big game like this, and I think they're due a big performance and a big result against a good side.

"It's been a while since the Scotland women's national team won a game that you wouldn't expect them to win. Where they've made a statement and they've kind of turned the odds and you go, wow, what a result that was.

"You're not guaranteed anything, but I feel like they're due a big performance. And hopefully it comes tomorrow night and they do themselves justice but England have got threats all over the pitch."

• Will Scotland scupper Team GB's Olympic hopes? Subscribe and listen to full episodes of BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

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On Monday's Scottish Football Podcast, Amy Canavan is joined by journalist and commentator Thomas Duncan and BBC entertainment correspondent – and Tartan Army diehard – Colin Paterson to discuss the Euro 2024 draw and hear what Scotland song will be played at Colin's funeral.

They also look back on the weekend’s action, including Brendan Rodgers' half-time fury, Philippe Clement's man management and Barry Robson's run of results.

There's also a wee preview of Scotland v England in the Women’s Nations League as the Auld Enemy head to Hampden on Tuesday night.

• Subscribe and listen to full episodes of BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

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BBC Scotland's Amy Canavan in Leuven

It was a special moment for Hayley Lauder as she ran out onto the pitch in a Scotland jersey for the first time since March 2020.

The Glasgow City stalwart admitted that she was surprised to receive a phone call to join the squad, but she now wants to help her teammates and make a positive impact.

"It's brilliant [to be back]," Lauder said. "After three-and-a-half years, I started to think it wouldn't happen. It's amazing. Result aside, it is amazing to be back.

"For things to be so new, like the coaching staff, there are still so many people I'm close with here. I've loved it [being back] so far.

"Yeah I did [think ship had sailed] but I worked hard. I have to thank Glasgow City, they kept me going and kept me believing.

"I was surprised, but I don't want to come back and just go away with the team, I want to help."

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Image source, SFA

Scotland are desperate for more success on international stage, says captain Rachel Corsie.

Pedro Martinez Losa's side were confined to the bottom of Nations League Group A1 following their 1-1 draw with Belgium on Friday and will be relegated to League B as a result.

Scotland head into their final game of the group - at home to England on Tuesday - without a win. They have lost three and drawn two.

"We're competitive," said Corsie. "We want to win a lot more often than we are at the moment. It's a tough feeling but it's one that we're in together.

"We'll look forward to Tuesday because it's an opportunity to play against a really good team. We want to try and get a win."

Image source, SFA

Scotland have been hampered by a lack of quality in their Nations League campaign but are relishing the chance to play against top opposition, says captain Rachel Corsie.

Friday's 1-1 draw with Belgium means they will finish bottom of the group and be relegated to Nations League B.

Of their five group games so far, Pedro Martinez Losa's side have lost three and drawn two.

Corsie suggested the result was evidence of a lack of quality but insisted they will learn from the disappointing results.

"I think it's a tough lesson," she said. "This is the top level. It's tight margins.

"I think we have more than enough of the ball and we have to create better opportunities for ourselves. We just didn't quite have enough quality in the areas we need it.

"I think it is a big learning curve for us. We don't often get the chance to play against these top sides in competitive fixtures.

"Netherlands away was tough, but other than that, we've really been in it. We've shown a lot of positives, but at the end of the day, it's not what we wanted."

Sean McGill, BBC Sport Scotland

Once again, Scotland fans are left feeling frustrated after another tale of what could have been.

As they have been in almost every outing in this quality-laden group, this team fought. They scratched and they clawed, but it wasn't enough.

Their display in Leuven was perhaps the most confident and mature they've been in this competition, as if the bruisings they've faced in recent months had almost battered them into a belief that they belong.

The manager didn't rest on his laurels, making attacking change after attacking change in search of a winner. The quality to find the breakthrough was once again lacking. Alas, the killer instinct has not yet been instilled in his squad of technical talents.

Now that relegation is confirmed, there's hope that they can learn their lessons and rebuild faith by putting a run of results together en route to the Euros and in future Nations League outings in Group B.

If they do so, while adding finishing touches to this youthful team, the international heavyweights may just be in for a shock when Scotland next show up to the top table.

Erin Cuthbert (left) dragged Scotland back into the contest and was tidy in possession before going off injured late on.

And, of course, there was that absolute stunner. She never fails to amaze.

Image source, SNS

BBC Scotland's Amy Canavan in Brussels, Belgium

It'd be rude not to, eh?

One can't come to Belgium and not indulge in some local delicacies and take a wander around some of the mighty impressive Christmas decor which has engulfed the city.

A wee pit-stop at the picturesque Grand Place presented an unexpected, but utterly outstanding, lights show. Don't get that at Edinburgh Castle, I tell you.

Here's hoping it's not the only show I catch before traipsing back home. Scotland, I'm relying on you the night...

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BBC Scotland's Amy Canavan in Leuven, Belgium

Scotland are "there" and "can compete with anyone" according to Sophie Howard, but the defender admits they "haven't done themselves justice" in the inaugural Women's Nations League.

Pedro Martinez Losa's side are bottom of Group A1, and require two wins from their final two games, with a wee bit of help from results elsewhere too, if they are to avoid automatic relegation into League B.

“It’s been a tough campaign. We haven’t done ourselves justice but we have everything to play for," she said as Scotland prepare to take on Belgium in Leuven.

“I know we can do so much better than what we have shown. We’ve shown it in spells, but not consistently and I think that is something we want to develop, to be at the highest level consistently.

“We can compete with anyone, but for that to happen we need to show up and be at our best.

“The games and results have been tighter than it’s looked, other than Netherlands away. We are there, we are moving in the right direction, we just have to make it sure we’re putting it on the pitch every game.

“We are fully aware of the standings of the table, but we’re ready to put things right the next couple of days."

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BBC Scotland's Amy Canavan in Leuven, Belgium

Comfortably over three years since her last cap, Hayley Lauder is back in the international set-up.

Many have cried out for her involvement over the last few years, with the mindset she could just be the final piece in the magical midfield jigsaw for Scotland.

Her ability, and comfort, at playing in midfield and defence has her perfectly suited to that deep-lying role. With her control, the backline would be confident in her support. So too would the advancing Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert - or any other midfield maestro who donned the dark blue.

Pedro Martinez Losa said in his presser that Scotland "can not think that what we have done previously is enough," when asked about stepping out of their comfort zone. And he's right.

But Lauder is entirely in her comfort zone at this level. Her 103 caps do all the heavy-lifting in this argument.

Her experience is invaluable, and will no doubt be rubbing off on the bright-eyed Kirsty Maclean and Amy Rodgers, to name a few.

But, don't be fooled into thinking the Glasgow City stalwart is here to tell tales of yesteryear. She's here to - as the head coach put it - "help out the team"... and then some.

BBC Scotland's Amy Canavan in Leuven, Belgium

Pedro Martinez Losa caught up with BBC Sport Scotland as Scotland prepare for their penultimate game of the inaugural Women's Nations League against Belgium on Friday.

Here are the key lines:

• Being in GroupA1 has brought Scotland "out of their comfort zone," but Martinez Losa admitted that in the evolving game, that is required.

• Said despite not picking up the points they wanted to, there has been progress collectively and individually.

• He added, at this level, losing concentration for one second is punished, and Scotland have been victim to that.

• The head coach said they have "paid a big price" by losing key players to injury.

• On welcoming Hayley Lauder back into the fold he added her addition is "a good example that the national team is open to any player".

Image source, SNS