Arsenal defender Jen Beattie has retired from international duty with the Scottish National Team.
The 31-year-old joins club captain Kim Little in retiring from the Scotland team, who will not play at this summer’s World Cup.
She has played 144 times for her country, scoring 24 goals, including scoring in the 2019 World Cup against Argentina at the same end of the Parc des Prices that her father John scored a try for the Scottish national rugby team at the 1987 Six Nations.
“Representing Scotland has been an absolute honour and a dream come true,” Beattie said. “Thank you so much to every single staff member and player that has made my experiences so memorable and enjoyable. I’ve made friends for life.
“I’ve been a part of the national team for almost half of my life and it’s been incredible to contribute to the growth of the game.” Beats received an MBE in the recent New Year’s Honours List.
“Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa added: “Jen’s contribution to the women’s game in Scotland deserves the highest recognition and it has been a privilege to work with her.
“Her exemplary professionalism is an inspiration and she is a wonderful example of the determination, talent and dedication required to make it to the top of the women’s game.
“On behalf of everyone involved in women’s football in Scotland, I’d like to thank Jen for everything she has done for the game. It’s been a pleasure to work with her and the legacy she leaves behind will be long-lasting.
“This is not a goodbye but the start of a new chapter in her career, one in which she can always count on my support.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal goalkeeper Fran Stenson has been recalled from her loan deal at Birmingham City. Stenson has also had loan spells at Blackburn and Brighton since joining the club in the summer of 2019.
How many goalkeepers do we need or is big Fran the answer to our number 9 problem?
Still work to do at Arsenal Beats. A great inspiration to the youngsters.