As the hours and minutes tick down to the historic first kick of Scotland’s first ever appearance at a major finals, you can be sure that the Scotland camp is buzzing but they have also been encouraged to seize the opportunity and enjoy every second of the build up and beyond.
On Sunday I asked Anna Signeul about how being at this tournament is an exciting [and potentially emotional] experience for her players, but also for herself too…
On the message to her players and the experience for them and herself:
I am enjoying every second of it and we have spoken about that a lot. It is ‘carpe diem’, it is ‘enjoy the moment’, every second, every day. Finally being here and having that smile on your face. For me, I think it’s great that we have managed to do this with Scotland, to come to a finals tournament. I’m also very proud of what we have achieved, not just here but how far we have come as a nation, with the whole of girls’ and women’s football. I’m sure that this is just the start, this is just the first time they will qualify and that there will be many times after this. It won’t be emotional for me until I am leaving.
On whether she can take the sentiment away from choosing the team for the England, after such a long journey to get here, one that several of your players have shared with her:
Yes, we have to take that away, both players and staff. We just have to pick the team that we think is the strongest.
On the weight of expectation in this match being on England, and if that could play into your hands:
I think England will focus on winning every game, it doesn’t matter who their opponent is and that’s the same for us. We want to do our absolute best. They play with a lot of confidence, they have successful players in their team, so it’s a confident team.
