Merry Taylor: Scotland summons Aston Villa midfielder for friendly matches

Aston Villa midfielder Merry Taylor has been named in the Scotland squad for the first time since changing her international allegiance from England.

The 25-year-old, who has represented England Under-17s, has been called up by coach Melissa Andreatta for two friendly matches against Ukraine and China in Spain.

Taylor is one of two changes to the squad that recorded its first win under the Australian in Morocco and suffered a narrow defeat by Switzerland at Dunfermline, with Rangers defender Leah Eadie also joining in place of Kirsty Smith and Amy Rodgers.

“She is a player who comes into camp in good shape,” coach Melissa Andreatta explained.

“She has shown her qualities as a midfielder and it is a very competitive position within our team, but I think her defensive mentality, her ability in midfield is something I want to look at.”

Taylor scored the only goal of the game – and her first of the season – as Villa inflicted Manchester United’s first defeat in the Women’s Super League of the season at the weekend.

Gillingham-born Taylor initially joined the Villains on loan from Liverpool in February 2024 – after joining the Merseyside club the previous year from Angel City in Los Angeles – and made the move permanent in the summer.

She signed a two-year contract with Villa in July 2024.

The Scots face Ukraine in Jerez on November 28 (11:00 GMT) and China on December 2 (14:00) in their final friendly matches before they begin their World Cup qualifying campaign in the new year, friendlies that Andreatta believes will provide a tough test.

“I think we will face two teams that take these two games very seriously,” she said.

“What I expect to face is a couple of tough games against teams who are in good condition and very confident, but so are we.

“I’m happy with where we’re at, but we’ll know there are things we need to tighten up. There are things we can always improve and with this group, that’s what they’re eager to do.”

“Let’s build on what we’ve built so far.”