#SWNT v Chile preview

Scotland’s Leanne Crichton says “We’re not just ‘poor old Scotland’ any more.”  (PA Images).

Friday’s friendly match against Chile will mark two months to the day that Scotland will fly out to France for their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut.

Prior to that they have three more preparation matches, against fellow World Cup qualifiers Chile, Brazil and then Jamaica at Hampden Park.

Shelley Kerr’s side will look to build upon Algarve Cup victories against Iceland and Denmark which saw Scotland finish fifth overall, having gone into the competition ranked 9th out of the 12 teams involved.

Team News

The squad shows two changes from that which impressed at the Algarve Cup earlier this month, with Arsenal winger Lisa Evans returning to the fold following an injury layoff.

Sophie Howard is also included in the 23-strong playing group, the Reading defender having last appeared for her country in the 2-1 victory over Albania that secured qualification for this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Pre-match thoughts

Leanne Crichton told scottishfa.co.uk: “Everyone is in good spirits in the camp but there is also a nervousness as all the players are desperate to stay in the squad as the World Cup draws closer.

“The squad is so competitive at the moment so when you do get the chance, you know you have to take it.

“We were really disappointed with the results against Norway and Iceland in January but to record wins against Iceland and Denmark gave everyone a huge boost along with playing well against Canada.

“It’s exciting that we’re now in a position where we’re going into every game genuinely believing that we can win, knowing anything else would be a disappointment.”

The game at the Pinatar Arena in Spain kicks off at 6pm (UK time) and is live on BBC Alba.

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