Scotland winger Kirsty Hanson will have no mixed feelings tomorrow night as she takes to the Hampden pitch against England.
The World Cup finalists need three points from their conclusive meeting with Scotland if they are to ensure they top the League A1 – and thereby facilitate Team GB’s passage to the Olympics.
England need to get themselves to the Nations League final – or at least claim a third place finish if tournament hosts France win the competition. Scotland’s relegation into Group B was confirmed with Friday night’s draw in Belgium, although there may be questions in the minds of one or two players about selection should Team GB be heading to Paris.
There were two who made it into the squad at their last involvement – Kim Little and Caroline Weir. Erin Cuthbert could be one who may have designs on involvement but for Hanson the game is all about Scotland and setting foundations for the forthcoming European Championships campaign next year.
“I think we competed really well when we played in England at the Stadium of Light to open the group,” said Hanson who scored in that 2-1 defeat.
“We know that it has been a tough campaign and we have learned a lot in recent months but we definitely feel that we have made a lot of progress as a team.
“This is another chance to show that we belong at this level.”
Hanson scored against England in the opening game of the campaign and she has pinpointed a steady growing of belief within the team that can compete at elite level, even if results would struggle to offer evidence of that.
“In that first game at first when I was up against Lucy Bronze I was thinking ‘I don’t know if I can’t get past her.
“But then I don’t know what happened. I just thought to myself that I will either lose the ball and work my socks off to get it back or I will go past her.
“The first time I got past her, I think it was just amazing for my confidence.
“I am a real confidence player and that and the goal just helped me so much.
“It is the same with the team.
“It might not have been the campaign we wanted in terms of results but I definitely feel that there has been progression from us as a team.
“These games are about having the character to get on the ball. You can’t give up. You’ve always got to be switched on."
