Rising star Erin Cuthbert has been lauded by her coaches

The 20-year-old scored Scotland’s first goal at a major finals

She tells FIFA.com: “No-one will get an easy game against us”

It is rare these days to see coaches single out individuals for special praise; still rarer to hear one describe a player as “personifying” their team’s positive attributes.

But while it was striking that Scotland coach Shelley Kerr did just this, more remarkable was the player she chose to laud. It might have been expected, after all, that the standard-bearer would be identified as captain Rachel Corsie, or long-time star Kim Little, who has dazzled in elite leagues across the world. But Kerr instead highlighted Erin Cuthbert, still just 20, as the player who embodies the identity of her history-making side.

“For all Erin’s attributes and the abundant talent, the one thing she’s got that we’ve probably missed is that ‘Scottishness’,” said Kerr. “She’s streetwise, she’s gallus (a Scottish term reflecting style and swagger), she’s confident and she’s a fighter with a real desire to win. That’s the kind of Scottishness we’re looking for.”

High praise indeed, and sentiments attributed by Cuthbert herself to Kerr’s appreciation of her outlook on the game.

“I hadn’t heard Shelley had said that, but it’s a big compliment,” Cuthbert told FIFA.com. “I think she knows that every time I put on the shirt, I feel such a sense of responsibility and make sure I leave nothing on the pitch.

“It is nice that people see that because, more than goals or skill, I’d like to be known for my attitude - always giving everything and working for the team.”

Erin Cuthbert factfile

Age: 20

Position: Midfielder/Forward

Club: Chelsea

International appearances: 24

International goals: 7