The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Fay won’t let Scots lose focus in Auld Enemy clash
Women: Rivalry perfect preparation for Euros opener, says keeper
Captain Gemma Fay insists an innate sporting hostility towards England has prepared Scotland perfectly for tonight’s high-stakes clash in Utrecht.
The 200-cap goalkeeper laughed off the revelation that England women had watched clips of Braveheart, the Hollywood interpretation of the life of Scottish knight William Wallace, as part of a history lesson in the build-up to both teams’ European Championship opener.
And the Perth-born 35-year-old said the Scots would be raring to get at Mark Sampson’s World Cup bronze medallists, admitting she has never played a more important match.
Fay said: “I don’t think we need a history lesson in any sort of English culture. It’d be interesting to see their reaction to Mel Gibson’s accent in Braveheart – it’s a bit dodgy.
“When you’re born in Scotland, you’re born into the Scotland-England rivalry in sport. You all know about it, be it football, rugby or whatever.
“We know the rivalry, it’s one that excites us, but it’s not going to overshadow what we’re here to do, which is to go out and look to win this opening game at the European Championship.”
Fay, who made her Scotland debut as a 16-year-old, added: “It’s the biggest game of my career, and probably the most exciting as well.”
Scotland are making their first appearance at a major overseas finals, in what is Anna Signeul’s sign-off tournament as head coach.
Swedish boss Signeul is departing after 12 years to become boss of Finland, and in her time at the helm has become indoctrinated in the Scottish lifestyle.
She was glad to learn First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is coming to Holland for the occasion, and Signeul said: “I’m as proud to hear the Scotland national anthem as I am to hear the Swedish.
“That will be a big moment for me, to see the flag and hear the anthem,” she added.
“I do think we go out as underdogs tomorrow, that’s for sure.”