Scotland will face Norway, France and the Netherlands in group A at this summer’s UEFA European Women’s Under-19s Championship.
As the host nation, Scotland received a bye through the Elite Qualification stage for this summer’s Euros.
A top two finish would secure Scotland a place in the semi-finals of the tournament, as well as qualification to the Under-20 FIFA Women's World Cup.
🏴🙌 #SCOW19s take on the Five Ball Challenge ahead of #WU19EURO, which begins on Tuesday.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) 12 July 2019
Our first match is against France at @saintmirrenfc on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
➡️ Tickets to all of Scotland's group matches are available here: https://t.co/EmsxjHZ033 #OurGirlsOurGame pic.twitter.com/zTxBKMdkue
The Scotland squad is made up of 14 SWPL 1 players, four SWPL 2 players and two players from English clubs.
Having qualified most recently for the WU19 Euros in 2017, Scotland will be aiming to make a mark as the host nation.
Although the group draw saw them avoid both of last year’s finalists, Spain and Germany, their opponents promises to provide a tough test.
Here’s a look at how Scotland could fare against their group stage opponents.
Matchday One – Scotland v France, kick-off 7.30pm, St Mirren Park
Scotland face a difficult opening match against four times WU19 Euros Champions France, who arrive in Scotland as one of the favourites for the title.
The two sides last met at this stage of the tournament in 2014, when France came out on top in a narrow 1-0 victory.
Matchday Two - Scotland v Norway, kick-off 6.15pm, Firhill Stadium
Norway are hugely experienced at WU19 level and were semi-finalists at last summer’s WU19 Euros. Although they’ve never won the WU19 Euros title, Norway have reached the final three times.
Scotland last faced them in 2014, when then hosts Norway won 5-0.
Matchday Three – Netherlands v Scotland, kick-off 6.15pm, St Mirren Park
Scotland’s final group game is against the Netherlands, who qualified for this summer’s finals with three victories in their Elite Qualifying round group.
The two sides last in March when the Netherlands recorded a 4-1 victory over Scotland.
Key Players
Jamie-Lee Napier
Undoubtedly a crucial player this summer for Scotland, Napier will look to hurt opposition defences with her pace and wide play. This will be an important factor of Scotland’s game, especially when on the counter.
“It felt like a long time coming, but now it’s just a week away and we’re all excited to get our first game under way against France.”#SCOW19s midfielder @jamieleenapier looks ahead to #WU19EURO, which kicks off next week.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) 9 July 2019
➡️ Tickets: https://t.co/EmsxjIgBrD #OurGirlsOurGame pic.twitter.com/9HlbwGIlvk
Amy Muir
Captain Amy Muir’s influence on and off the pitch will be another key part of Scotland’s success. Muir, who recently left Rangers to join Hibernian, has been a regular in the WU19 squad for two years and was Rangers Ladies Player of the Year in 2019.
Jenna Clark
A key part of a successful Glasgow City side, Jenna Clark will be crucial in keeping out strong opposition at the heart of the Scotland defence. The towering centre half will aim to replicate the form that has cemented her place as a regular for club and country.
'We want to keep the buzz alive'
Speaking prior to the WU19 Euros, Scotland Women’s Under 19 coach, Pauline Hamill said: “All the players thoroughly deserve their place in the squad.
“They’re really excited and have trained well, everyone is looking forward to playing in front of a loud home crowd.”
Hamill also hailed the Scotland Women’s National Teams efforts in France this summer, she said: “What the Women’s A squad have achieved this summer is huge, hopefully we can continue that engagement and continue to inspire more young girls.
“Women’s football is thriving in Scotland and we want to be a part of that buzz and keep it alive.”
Tickets
If you’d like to come along to this summer’s WU19 EUROS, tickets are priced from just £2 for adults and £1 for concessions. They are available on the gates, as well as online.
Where to Watch
All of Scotland's matches will be available to watch via BBC Sport Online.
Sensory bags
A limited number of sensory toy bags will be available on loan at each of the match venues. Sensory toys are for children who can experience sensory overload conditions such as autism; we hope these bags will enhance the experience of families attending the matches.
To find out about how you can collect a bag, contact points at the four venues are outlined below:
St. Mirren: tickets@stmirren.com
Partick Thistle: beth.adamson@ptfc.co.uk
St. Johnstone: BeverleyMayer@PerthSaints.co.uk
Stirling Albion: office@stirlingalbionfc.co.uk