Sophie Howard, the Leicester City defender, is set to play a pivotal role in Scotland's strategy against Germany in the Women's Nations League. Born and raised in Germany to a Scottish mother and an English father, Howard brings a deep understanding of German football to the Scottish squad.

Understanding the Opponent

Howard's fluency in German and her extensive knowledge of the German football system provide Scotland with a unique advantage. "I've got an advantage in that I know a lot of the players," Howard explained. "I've seen them for many, many years and I believe they don't know as much about us as we do about them - and that can be our superpower on Friday."

Building Team Morale

After a series of losses to Finland, Austria, and the Netherlands, Scotland is eager for a morale-boosting win. Securing a victory against the world's third-ranked team, Germany, would be a significant achievement. However, Howard emphasizes the importance of focusing on performance rather than just the outcome. "What we need is to build internally," she said. "What happens externally with results is sometimes secondary, because we need to build on performances to make this sustainable."

Strategic Focus

Howard is confident in Scotland's ability to compete with top-tier nations like Germany. "I'm convinced we can perform and compete with Germany, a top nation. We just need to be at our best." This match is not just about winning but about proving that Scotland can hold its own against the best in the world.

Looking Ahead

The game is scheduled for Friday, April 4, at Tannadice Park, Dundee, with coverage available on BBC Alba & iPlayer, BBC Radio Scotland Extra & Sounds, and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app. This match could be a turning point for Scotland, showcasing their growth and potential on the international stage.