'Possessed' Davidson fills Weir gap as Scots set up glamour Sweden tie

Scotland stalwart Erin Cuthbert says Lauren Davidson was “like a woman possessed” against the Czech Republic to help Melissa Andreatta’s side overcome the absence of Caroline Weir and move closer to the 2027 World Cup.

The Brann forward scored the equaliser after the Czech Republic’s shock early goal in Paisley as Scotland twice came from behind to set up a tie against heavyweights Sweden for a place in next summer’s tournament in Brazil.

Scotland needed the industry and spark of the 25-year-old, because they reached the round two play-off without their two big names playing a huge part in the 3-2 win in the second leg for a 5-2 aggregate score.

Captain Weir pulled out after picking up an injury in the warm-up while Chelsea captain Cuthbert was introduced at half-time for just her second game of the season.

Davidson – who is out of contract with her Norwegian club in December – played a key part in mitigating the absence of Scotland’s star players.

“Lauren Davidson was on fire,” Cuthbert told BBC Scotland after the five-goal thriller.

“If you give her the ball, she’ll make something happen. She was brilliant.

“She honestly looked like she was possessed.”

• Scotland beat Czechs to set up World Cup play-off with Sweden

It could be that Davidson played like she had a point to prove – and was perhaps also putting on a show for any suitors at club level.

She is enjoying a run in the line-up for her country – starting the last five games – and has played both on the wing and in a central role, as she did in Paisley.

Up top with Kathleen McGovern – who scored Scotland’s second – after a tweak to the formation following Weir’s injury, the former Glasgow City forward found herself in pockets of space in the box and was a constant threat.

A fine first touch allowed her to shift the ball out of her feet, create a better angle and fire the Scots level with her fourth international goal – her third in 2026.

Her rich form for her country is coinciding with another strong domestic campaign, where she is again on course for the Toppserien title, with Brann holding a 10-point lead after 18 games.

Davidson was also a league winner last season but hinted this may be her last year in Norway.

“It’s my first time moving away from home,” the player of the match explained to BBC Scotland after the win.

“I wanted to take baby steps instead of just moving and throwing myself maybe down to England, but I’ve loved every moment of it.

“My contract is up in December but I think I made the right move taking A-B rather than A-C.”

Two players who did throw themselves straight into the big time – and have remained there – are Cuthbert and Weir.

As teenagers, the pair moved to Chelsea and Arsenal respectively. Cuthbert has consistently lifted trophies in London while Weir’s career has taken her to Manchester, Madrid and now Lyon.

Plenty in France will be holding their breath that the injury that led to the back-to-back Ballon d’Or nominee dropping out of the starting line-up is not serious.

With the Sweden double-header just seven weeks away, so will every Scotland fan.

It’s natural given the calibre of the players that their presence was missed, but it remains a concern how heavily Andreatta’s side rely on them.

In Friday’s first leg, it was the same – it was wise heads that hauled Scotland through.

Weir’s moment of magic sparked the Scots while Claire Emslie’s first goal since becoming a mum gave them the crucial cushion. Cuthbert came on for her first minutes since June.

She, like Weir, would run through brick walls for Scotland to get to the World Cup. Facing the Swedes, who are back-to-back World Cup semi-finalists, might just feel like that.

Cuthbert could not hide her concern at her friend being forced to pull out in Paisley, because it’s not in her make-up.

“Caroline doesn’t go down easy,” she added.

“When she feels like she can’t continue, normally I’m a wee bit worried. Hopefully she’s fit for the Sweden games.”

Andreatta’s post-match media was too soon to say any more than it was a “precautionary” withdrawal in Paisley.

The home of St Mirren will be home to Scotland’s women again on 1 December before the sides meet in Stockholm four days later.

It is an almighty double-header and the Scots will need to be fully fit and firing on all cylinders to progress.

In-form Davidson will be desperate to have the sublime support act of Cuthbert and Weir alongside her.