Rachel Corsie, the captain of Scotland, responded to inquiries about their drive for the Nations League match against England on Tuesday, labeling them as “completely unfounded” and “a major disrespect”.
The Women’s Nations League provides an opportunity for Team GB to secure a spot in the Olympics. However, since England is the designated team, a win for the Lionesses at Hampden Park would also be advantageous for Scottish players hoping to join the squad in the upcoming summer.
Before their last game, Scotland has already been demoted from League A, while England must win and have a better goal difference than the Netherlands if Belgium wins their final match. The manager of the Netherlands, Andries Jonker, commented on the oddness of the situation, but Corsie had harsh words for those who expressed worries.
Many individuals have addressed this issue, and in my honest opinion, I find it to be quite disrespectful. As someone who has represented my country for numerous years, I am familiar with the teammates who are present, those who wish to be here, and those who are unable to due to injury. Therefore, I believe it is completely unacceptable to doubt anyone’s honesty and it is a significant insult to all of us.
“I comprehend the reason for the inquiry, however, for us, the drive is to compete for our country,” stated Corsie. “It’s challenging to comprehend if you haven’t personally experienced it, but once you have, you don’t require additional motivation. Representing your nation in the sport is the ultimate achievement, so that will undoubtedly be our motivation tomorrow, as we put on the Scotland jersey.”
To keep Team GB’s chances of qualifying for the Olympics, England must emerge as the top team in their group. However, they will need to either make it to the final or place third (if France, the host country, finishes in the top two) in order to secure their spot. According to Corsie, the format of the tournament is not up for discussion among players. She acknowledges that the situation is challenging and unlike any other.
The manager of Scotland, Pedro Martínez Losa, also expressed his support for the honesty of his team. “I believe that this is a situation that we cannot alter, it is one that we have been thrust into,” he stated. “I hope that it could have been predicted or that we could have made changes.”
I am not pleased with the doubts being cast on the honesty of the Scottish players,” Martínez Losa expressed. “Scotland is a fantastic nation, filled with amazing individuals who are deeply passionate about everything they do…No one should ever doubt the integrity and dedication of these players to represent their country.”
The sentiment within this group is to symbolize the multitude of girls and boys who attend to watch and motivate all those present – that is a powerful force,” stated the new manager, who began their role in 2021. “I believe the inquiry is entirely unsuitable.”
Sarina Wiegman, the manager of the England team, has dismissed any speculation of a potential conflict of interest. “Considering the history and current state of Scotland, it is highly unlikely that they would willingly lose this match,” she stated on Monday.
Source: theguardian.com