Euro 2025 play-offs: Scotland’s golden generation miss their golden hour
This group often uses the word “deserve.”
They deserve to be in the World Cup. They deserve to be in the National League A. They deserve to be in the European Cup.
No team, especially one that has missed three consecutive tournaments, has a right to claim a spot in the standings. It must be earned.
Although Erin Cuthbert missed an empty net goal and Sam Kerr kicked an upright, the Scots had little more to offer in Helsinki.
It’s not enough to get them past Finland, who have advanced five of their last six European Championships. But despite this, the group remains defiant.
Leicester City defender Howard said: “We said we should play with courage and no regrets, and I don’t think we have any regrets.”
“We took risks and played with confidence. I think one of the things to say tonight is that we walked out on the field with no regrets.”
Maybe that’s an indictment of where this team actually is versus where it should be.
They were flat and vulnerable in the first leg, saved by a fine save from Esa Cummings.
They headed to Helsinki with high hopes, but little hope. Eight minutes later they were already behind and in trouble.
Down 2-0, left-back Nicola Docherty tried to rally. Playing for football giants such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
On paper, the talent is top notch. On the pitch, it’s been a bit sketchy and has gone on for too long.
The disappointment is devastating, but Howard insists the team will go again.
“It’s a choice and we make choices to support each other,” she added. “Football can be cruel at times and it didn’t work for us tonight, but we will choose to play again.”
Howard, 31, was 23 when she competed in her only European Championship. Caroline Weir was 22 then and is now 29. Cuthbert was a teenager at the time and is now 26.
This golden generation has achieved a lot. Now some worry they have missed their golden moment.
