Jen Beattie retires from international football

Beattie is retiring from international football
Beattie is retiring from international football / ANP/GettyImages
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Jen Beattie has announced her retirement from international football, calling time on her 15-year career with Scotland.

Beattie made her senior debut as a 17-year-old against the United States in May 2008, and went on to earn 144 caps for her country, scoring 24 goals.

The centre-back was a pivotal figure in Scotland qualifying for their maiden women's major tournament when they booked their place at the 2017 European Championships. However, injury denied her a place at the tournament.

Beattie helped Scotland qualify for their first ever Women's World Cup two years later, and she played every minute of her country's group stage campaign in France. The Arsenal defender netted in Scotland's final group match against Argentina, but her side were eliminated following a breathless 3-3 draw.

Beattie scored in Scotland's 2-0 win over England in 2011 - their first victory over the Lionesses since 1977.

She most recently helped Scotland reach the World Cup playoffs ahead of the 2023 tournament in Australia and New Zealand, but her side were beaten by Ireland.

Beattie will continue her club career with Arsenal, with whom she signed a new contract in the summer of 2022. Her contract with the Gunners also includes a mentoring role with the club's academy. Beattie has featured five times in the WSL for Arsenal this season.