Scotland star Beattie quits international football


Jen Beattie (number five) after Scotland failed to qualify for the World Cup
Jen Beattie (left) was part of the Scotland team which failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup

Arsenal defender Jen Beattie has announced her retirement from the Scotland national team.

The centre-back is retiring after a 15-year international career in which she earned 143 caps for her country after making her senior debut at 16.

The 31-year-old scored 24 goals for Scotland, who have failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.

Beattie, who was awarded an MBE in December, is currently in her second spell with the Gunners.

The defender, who has also played in the Women’s Super League for Manchester City, made her debut for Scotland Under-19s aged 14, before making her debut for the senior squad in March 2008.

In 2011 she scored in a 2-0 win over England, Scotland’s first victory over their neighbours in a women’s international since 1977.

She helped Scotland reach their first major women’s tournament at the 2017 European Championships, however missed it through injury.

Beattie did play at the 2019 World Cup in France, scoring in the 3-3 draw with Argentina as Scotland were eliminated at the group stage.

She helped Scotland reach the European play-offs to qualify for the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, where they were beaten by Ireland.

The defender continued her career for club and country despite being diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2020 and undergoing radiotherapy.

Beattie was given the Helen Rollason Award at the 2021 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony for her work following her cancer diagnosis.





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