Wales are preparing for a historic debut at a major tournament – and they’re doing it in the toughest group of all. But under head coach Rhian Wilkinson, Wales aren’t here to make up the numbers. The squad is confident, organised, and determined to spring surprises.
What to Expect
The goal? Emulate the men’s side’s fairy-tale run at Euro 2016. Reaching the knockouts would already be a landmark moment for Welsh women’s football – but Wilkinson’s side are quietly aiming higher.
Given Wales have ended up in the ‘Group of Death’ – also featuring England, France and the Netherlands -reaching the knockout phase will be tough.
Wales arrive battle-tested, having endured a mixed Nations League campaign. A heavy 4-1 defeat to Italy in June was a wake-up call, but outside that result, they’ve remained competitive. In fact, no other team has beaten them by more than a single goal under Wilkinson’s 15-month tenure. Two 1-1 draws with Sweden earlier this year showed their growth and resilience, especially against elite opposition – a level they will have to get increasingly familiar with after being placed in a group with little margin for error.
Key Players
Jess Fishlock (pictured) – At 38, she remains the heartbeat of this team. With 162 caps and a Champions League title to her name, the Seattle Reign midfielder still pulls the strings with intelligence and intensity. “She provides magic moments,” says Wilkinson. And Wales will need every bit of her magic.
Sophie Ingle – Fresh off of a domestic treble with Chelsea – will have an important role to play if fully fit, bringing control and experience to side which has backed its youth talent in the past.
Hannah Cain – She could he the player to make the big Euro breakthrough, after finishing the league season in fine form for Leicester City. She offers a dynamic option going forward for a side without the same level of talent as those around it. Having played most of the season on the wing, Cain switched up front for the final two league games of the WSL campaign – netting all three of her season’s goals in the process. It will be interesting to see where she operates in Wilkinson’s system with this new position in her arsenal.
Coach
Rhian Wilkinson
Since taking the reins in early 2024, Wilkinson has transformed Wales. The Canadian former international has instilled a tactical fluidity and competitive mentality, adapting formations and rotating personnel to match opponents – a skill which makes Wales a dark horse in the Group D race for qualification.
The Welsh players speak glowingly of her impact. “She’s taken us to another level,” says captain Angharad James. With experience coaching at Portland Thorns and Canada, Wilkinson brings pedigree and ambition to a side hungry for a first taste of genuine success.
FIFA Ranking: 30
Fixtures:
July 5, 2025: vs Netherlands – Swissporarena, Lucerne, 6pm
July 9, 2025: vs France – Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich, 9pm
July 13, 2025: vs England – Kybunpark, Geneva, 9pm
Contact the writer of this report, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751843566labto1751843566ofdlr1751843566owedi1751843566sni@g1751843566niwe.1751843566yrrah1751843566