Women's World Cup: All you need to know as Scotland head for France 2019

Scotland celebrate against Belarus during qualifying

For the first time, our national side has qualified for the finals of the Women’s World Cup.

Scotland will be among those in the thick of the action as the world’s best players head to France for the tournament, which takes place between June 7 and July 7.

It may be a new experience for Scotland but up first is a clash with familiar opponents – the Auld Enemy.

Shelley Kerr’s side will square up with Phil Neville’s Lionesses in the Group D opener, before facing Japan and Argentina in the other group stage games.

Sunday Post sports reporter Sean Hamilton is travelling to Nice to bring you the latest happenings in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Stay tuned as he gives us daily updates, catches up with the Tartan Army and meets the Scottish team themselves, plus much more from the ground. ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/U6UZhuMw42

— The Sunday Post (@Sunday_Post) June 5, 2019

Scotland are unbeaten in five games this year, including beating Brazil in a friendly.

The team are currently ranked 20th in the world, and were given a fitting send-off at Hampden in front of a record-breaking crowd.

They beat Jamaica 3-2 on a thrilling night in Glasgow, which coach Shelley Kerr labelled a “watershed moment” for women’s football north of the border.

Ahead of the action kicking off, here’s all you need to know about Scotland’s trip to the World Cup.

And keep an eye out on our website and social media – our reporter Sean Hamilton will be in Nice ahead of the England game.

How Scotland qualified

Belarus 1 Scotland 2, October 19 2017
Scotland 5 Albania 0, October 24 2017
Switzerland 1 Scotland 0, April 5 2018
Scotland 3 Poland 0, April 10 2018
Scotland 2 Belarus 1, June 7 2018
Poland 2 Scotland 3, June 12 2018
Scotland 2 Switzerland 1, August 30 2018
Albania 1 Scotland 2, September 4 2018

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Jenna Fife (Hibernian), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjo 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 Rosengard), Lana Clelland (Fiorentina), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea), Claire Emslie (Manchester City), Lisa Evans (Arsenal), Jane Ross (West Ham Utd)

Captain: Rachel Corsie, Vice-Captain: Kim Little

Where they’re playing

The three group stage matches will be played in three different venues.

The Tartan Army will take in games in Nice, Rennes and the capital Paris on their trip.

How to watch

If you’re not lucky enough to be there, don’t worry as you’ll be able to follow the action online and on TV.

Scotland’s first two matches will be live on BBC One, with the Argentina game on BBC Four.

Highlights will also be available via the BBC.

The opposition

England

COACH: PHIL NEVILLE – After taking charge of the “Lionesses” in January 2018, the former Manchester United man plotted their course to the Finals with ease. His England side averaged three goals-per-game in qualifying and conceded only once. They will be amongst the favourites in France.

STAR PLAYER: FRAN KIRBY – She may be small in stature, but England’s strike queen usually makes big contributions. The Chelsea star bagged two goals and assisted seven in qualifying and will look to further enhance her reputation at her second World Cup after Canada 2015.

FIFA ranking: 3

Previous WC best: Semi-finals (2015)

Argentina

COACH: CARLOS BORRELLO – In his second spell in charge, this will be Borello’s third World Cup, after leading “Le Albiceleste” to the group stages in 2003 and 2007. After leaving in 2012, he returned in 2017 in time to secure qualification for France – Argentina’s first World Cup since Borello’s last stint in charge.

STAR PLAYER: ESTEFANIA BANINI – The Argentinian skipper has played at club level in Chile, the USA and Spain, where her right-footed midfield trickery has brought her – and her clubs – considerable success. Expect power and skill in equal measure from a player with a hammer of a shot tucked away in her locker.

FIFA ranking: 37

Previous WC best: Group stage (2003, 2007)

Japan

COACH: ASAKO TAKAKURA-TAKEMOTO – Since taking over from legendary World Cup-winning coach Norio Sasaki in 2016, she has already led the Japanese to Asian Cup glory. Key victories over China and Australia were characterised by high-quality football and deadly attacking play, which will make Japan dangerous in France.

STAR PLAYER: MANA IWABUCHI – Part of the Japanese side that became world champions in 2011, Iwabuchi will play in her third World Cup this summer. The diminutive forward exploded onto the international scene aged just 15. She has continued to shine ever since and will once again take plenty of stopping.

FIFA ranking: 7

Previous WC best: Winners (2011)