Evans ready to shine for Scots National team make Albania return
Lisa Evans admits there is no time for reminiscing when Scotland Women’s national team play in Albania.
The country holds special memories for the Scots and was where they secured qualification for the summer’s World Cup in France.
Jubilant scenes of celebration were sparked after that 2-1 win, but now attentions have turned to another important qualifying campaign.
Evans and Co are at the Elbasan Arena for tonight’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2021 qualifier, their second game in Group E.
Memories of making the World Cup will always remain but Perth ace Evans has highlighted the importance of putting it to the back of the mind.
“Albania is a special place for us all and brings back amazing memories,” said Evans. “But we can’t really be thinking about that for this game.
“The end goal is the same for us and that is to qualify for another major tournament.
“Albania is a team we need to beat on the way to achieve that goal.
“I think we’re confident of progressing. It is a tough group but as top seeds we fully expect ourselves to qualify for the Euros.”
While this campaign is in its infancy, the Scots have already picked up a confidence-boosting victory against Cyprus.
The group opener, held at the end of August at Easter Road in Edinburgh, witnessed Shelley Kerr’s side run out comfortable 8-0 winners.
Kim Little was star of the show, netting five, while Claire Emslie, Jane Ross and Caroline Weir also scored in the rout.
Evans is now expecting a different challenge against Albania and knows this week’s hosts cannot be underestimated.
“Obviously we have got the campaign off to a flying start with that 8-0 win against Cyprus,” Evans explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“There is always a buzz around this team. We are all so eager to be qualifying for World Cups and Euros having had a taste of both in recent years.
“We obviously had a really tough game over there for World Cup qualifying.
“It can be hard to adjust to different playing conditions over there and after the travel. But we definitely won’t be underestimating them.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Evans has enjoyed a productive couple of years and is continuing to play her club football with English giants Arsenal.
She recently helped the London club advance to the quarter final of the Champions League after cruising beyond Slavia Prague 12-3 on aggregate.
And in the English Super League, which the team won last year, the campaign has started positively with Evans determined to retain the title.
With five games played this season, Arsenal, who most recently defeated Manchester City, sit second and only one point behind leaders Chelsea.
“We’ve had a decent start to the season at Arsenal,” Evans said earlier this week. “I think we were disappointed with the result against Chelsea.
“But we had a great win against City and have now progressed to the last eight of the Champions League.
“All in all, I’m very pleased with the start.”