Scots miss out on remaining spot in finals

Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for the 2018 Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup ended last night when they were beaten 2-0 by England in Lurgan. The sides were playing off for the last European place in the tournament, having both finished third in their groups at the U19 Euro finals in Northern Ireland.

Chelsea midfielder Zoe Cross gave England the lead after 29 minutes, while Mollie Rouse, who plays for Aston Villa, doubled the advantage five minutes after the break.

It was the end of a long journey for the Scots. It started with the U19 qualifying group in Albania last September. They won their first two games but were unable to play the third, against Serbia, because they fell ill the night before the game.

They then had to contend with a malicious Serb report stating they had been drinking heavily. Although untrue, under Uefa rules the game was forfeited 3-0.

That cost Scotland a better seeding in the elite round, but they went to the Republic of Ireland and qualified for the finals by winning their group.

Then another Uefa rule deprived them of captain and star player Erin Cuthbert for this finals. Women players are not allowed to play in senior and age group Euro tournaments in the same season.

Scotland lost to Germany and Spain in the group, while drawing 1-1 with Northern Ireland. Spain will play France in Sunday’s final at Windsor Park.