Needing to better the Netherlands’ score by three goals to reach the first-ever Nations League finals, where the European places for the Paris Games will be decided, England looked to have done enough after Lucy Bronze’s 93rd-minute header.
But the Lionesses were left shattered as the Dutch scored two goals in injury time to defeat Belgium 4-0 and secure first place in the group.
It was a cruel blow for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who looked back on top form in front of a 15,000-strong crowd on a freezing night in Glasgow.
Scotland were playing for pride with relegation from the top Nations League tier already confirmed, but fell behind early on to an Alex Greenwood header from a corner, before a deflected Lauren James strike ended a spell of stubborn resistance.
James added to the score a minute later with a spectacular curling effort and provided a fine assist for Beth Mead, who also hit the post on her first start for England in over a year after an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The World Cup finalists were up 4-0 at half-time and extended their lead through Fran Kirby after an excellent cut-back from Bayern Munich star Georgia Stanway.
Knowing goal difference could prove crucial, the Lionesses continued to attack and occasionally left themselves exposed at the back, with Mary Earps pulling out an excellent save to deny Martha Thomas, while Claire Emslie also went close for the hosts.
Bronze’s back-post finish deep in injury time looked like it had secured top spot in the group for the visitors, but their hopes were crushed as news filtered through of Damaris Egurrola’s 95th-minute goal for the Netherlands.
It was a humiliating result for Pedro Martinez Losa’s side, who had dismissed questions of sporting integrity in the build-up to the game.
Critics had pointed out that top Scottish players such as Erin Cuthbert and Sam Kerr might benefit from a heavy defeat by getting the opportunity to represent Team GB at the Olympics.
With qualification for Euro 2025 kicking off early next year, Scotland will need to improve significantly if they are to reach the tournament in Switzerland, where England will hope to defend their title after a disappointing end to their Nations League campaign.
