Scotland need to lose to England so that Team GB can qualify for Olympics

A bizarre situation means a Scotland loss against England will aid prospects for the next Olympic football tournament.

The two nations meet in the Women's Nations League at Hampden Park on Tuesday, with England looking to build on a 3-2 win over the Netherlands on Friday.

England are currently second in Group A, with Scotland lurching at the bottom after collecting just two points.

Sarina Wiegman's side are level on points with the Dutch but behind on goal difference, but Belgium are just a point behind.

And in a remarkable turn of events, defeat for Scotland is required if Team GB are to qualify for the Olympics.

The next summer games takes place in Paris and the top two teams in the Nations League, with the exception of hosts France, will be present.

The inaugural competition is also key for the seeding and groups in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualifying.

Image: Getty

England are the nominated nation from Great Britain and need to reach the final of the Nations League in February 2024 in order to secure their spot.

And to add to the unusual circumstances, Sarina Wiegman, England's Euro-winning coach, is slated to manage Team GB at the Olympics.

"We need to win in Scotland, we really need to win," she said ahead of the game.

"We are dependent on the other game but if we want to progress we need a really good win by four goals I would say.

"What we can control is playing well and winning that game. That is what we need to do first. We can’t control what the others do."

Image: Getty

Scotland have a number of players who would be in contention for a potential Team GB squad, including the likes of Erin Cuthbert, Rachel Corsie and Martha Thomas, who all play in the WSL.

Technically, losing is the best outcome for their chances of participating in the Olympics.