No one expects us to win, and that's where we thrive'

Scotland will hope to cause a shock as they take on England in the last eight after a tournament defined by their togetherness amid adversity, writes Harry Latham-Coyle

- Harry Latham-Coyle

“Now there is an understatement,” Bryan Easson chuckled when it was suggested to the Scotland head coach and his captain, Rachel Malcolm, that his side had been on a difficult journey during his time in charge.

It is not yet five years since the coach, a stalwart of the Scottish system, was officially elevated to lead the women’s side, but in some ways, his stint has felt like a lifetime.

It is a transformative tenure that will, in all likelihood, come to an end today as Scotland become the latest nation to take on this World Cup’s mission impossible. Easson will leave his role at the end of this tournament; for his departure date to be delayed by a week will require a first Scottish victory over England since the last century. There will be no accepting of their likely fate for a side that have enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, pushing Canada close last week to threaten a shock for a while, but Easson and Malcolm spoke well of the legacy that their team may leave.