Scots make a pact to block out England

Scotland forward Erin Cuthbert says she and her teammates are delighted with their first-ever bespoke women’s home and away strips. Launched on International Women’s Day, they will be worn throughout the World Cup in France.

“All the girls loved them,” Cuthbert said at the Simple Digital Arena before flying to London to rejoin her club Chelsea after the Algarve Cup tournament. “It’s important we feel comfortable in the kit – you’ve got to feel the part to be able to play the part.”

The 20-year-old scored her eighth goal in 27 games as Scotland beat Iceland 4-1 in the Algarve Cup on Monday. They had earlier lost 1-0 to world No 5 side Canada and rounded off the 12-team tournament with a win over Denmark by the same scoreline.

That helped Shelley Kerr’s side to fifth place overall but England, who Scotland face in their opening World Cup group game in Nice on 9 June, had an even better window. They beat Brazil and Japan, while drawing with world champions USA to win the Shebelieves Cup.

Although that will give Chelsea’s England players bragging rights in the dressing room, Cuthbert says she and her team-mates have made a pact not to be distracted by the looming World Cup confrontation.

“I’m happy for the players, and hopefully they bring some form back to Chelsea, but I haven’t been looking much at the England results,” Cuthbert pointed out. “We kind of made a rule of not speaking about the game in Nice.

“When you think about other things your performances at the club start to drop, so you can’t get too far ahead. We’ve still got two big trophies to play for in the FA Cup and the Champions League and we’re concentrating on that.

Jo Love, left, and Erin Cuthbert try out the new kit which Scotland will wear at the World Cup.

“We’re under no illusions that it’s an incredibly tough group in France. Japan got to the final of the World Cup last time putting England out, so they’re two brilliant teams.”

The new strips will be worn throughout the World Cup and embrace adidas Climalite technology which helps the players perform regardless of conditions.