Rachel Corsie captained Scotland to their first win over England in 34 years in 2011, and led the team into their first ever World Cup finals in 2019. She retired last year with 155 international caps and will now be in Salford as a BBC analyst for coverage of Scotland’s first and last group games.

Scotland’s opener against Haiti will be played at 2am BST, with the next day a bank holiday. Will the anticipation be off the scale?

It will. This squad is culturally very connected to the incredible feeling in the nation – lots of great career journeys, bringing humbleness. The players enjoy relating to the fans, and in return the fans can do their part.

You were eight when Scotland last qualified for the World Cup finals in 1998 – do you remember it at all?

I do! Scotland played defending champions Brazil in the opening match. We had a kickabout in the park beforehand, then we all piled back to a mate’s for the game. I remember our penalty most of all. [It drew Scotland level at 1-1, before an own goal gave Brazil victory.] That’s the Scottish way – euphoria or catastrophe, not much in between.

What’s your take on Steve Clarke’s achievements since he became Scotland manager in 2019?

He’s been phenomenal getting us to the last two Euros finals, now this. He has a stability and calm about him, always very measured, which helps the players. He’s stuck to what he believes is his recipe for success, and it can’t be questioned because that’s three major tournaments Scotland have reached in his time.

What does men’s international football have to learn from women’s?

Like the men, Scotland’s women have endured a difficult time qualifying for the biggest tournaments. The lesson is to cherish the moment. Enjoy it together.