Head coach Rhian Wilkinson has confirmed the names of the 23 players who will make history in Switzerland next month by representing Cymru at UEFA Women’s EURO for the very first time.
Cymru qualified for the WEURO finals last December, and over the course of the subsequent Nations League campaign over 30 players have been involved in the senior squad across the last six games. There were difficult decisions for Wilkinson to make and injuries have also played their part in shaping the selection process, but with the final 23 players chosen, here’s a closer look at your Cymru WEURO squad.
Goalkeepers
Olivia Clark established herself as the first choice Cymru goalkeeper ahead of Laura O’Sullivan-Jones during Gemma Grainger’s tenure as head coach, while Safia Middleton-Patel acts as a talented understudy and more than impressed in the 1-1 draw away to Sweden back in April.
Meanwhile, Poppy Soper is the only uncapped player in the squad and completes the goalkeeping trio. O’Sullivan-Jones has been an integral part of the Cymru team for the last decade, and while she misses out through an ACL injury, she will be involved on camp with the squad in Switzerland.
Defenders
A huge boost for Wilkinson has been the recovery of Rhiannon Roberts from the injury that ruled her out of the last two Nations League fixtures. One of the more physical players in the squad, Roberts is a key player both in and out of possession with her tough tackling, ariel presence and her ability to get forward from wide positions.
Versatility will also be crucial for Cymru, and the experienced duo of Hayley Ladd and Josie Green have both established themselves as a talented defenders in this team who can also drop into midfield if required. Ladd is one of four centurions in the squad, while both players bring composure on the ball and their experience will be vital when it comes to taking on the Netherlands, France and England in Group D.
Gemma Evans is expected to be one of the first names on the team-sheet given her consistent performances in the centre of defence, while Lily Woodham has benefited from her experience of playing in the NWSL with Seattle Reign and has become an integral part of how Wilkinson likes her side to play.
Meanwhile, Charlie Estcourt and Esther Morgan have shown themselves to be capable of performing specific defensive roles when called upon and are reliable options for Cymru, while Ella Powell’s strength and ability to get forward during the Nations League campaign has ensured that she is also in contention for a place in this team. Teenage star Mayzee Davies sadly misses out having suffered an ACL injury.
Midfielders
With an incredible 435 senior international appearances between, the three centurions named in the Cymru midfield will be vital to their success, and as the last three permanent captains they have experienced the complete range of highs and lows of international football. All four are natural leaders, but it is Angharad James who will captain Cymru having been awarded the role permanently last October.
Jess Fishlock continues to lead by example. At 38, Fishlock is Cymru’s all-time leading appearance holder and goalscorer with 47 goals in 162 games, and she remains hugely-influential in her attacking midfield role. Sophie Ingle has been out of action since last September with an ACL injury but she has proven her fitness to earn her place in the squad. Her presence alone will be a huge boost to the squad and her influence on and off the field has been missed.
Rachel Rowe is one of the more dynamic figures in the squad and there are few players who are stronger in the tackle or able to match her incredible energy levels. Rowe can also contribute the odd goal having scored eight times for her country in 76 appearances. Likewise, Ceri Holland has become one of the most important attacking figures in this Cymru side and could make a big impression in Switzerland.
Completing the midfield options are Alice Griffiths, who has shown herself to be a calming influence when called upon and can be trusted to restore order, together with the popular Lois Joel, who has found her opportunities limited. However, Wilkinson has spoken highly of both players credentials and they could well have an important part to play.
Forwards
The decision over who will lead the forward line is a regular debate amongst the Red Wall and there are plenty of options for Wilkinson when it comes to the final third. Kayleigh Barton is the most experienced in this list and has proven herself to be the penalty specialist in the squad, boosting her total to 22 Cymru goals.
Hannah Cain and Carrie Jones were the Cymru goalscoring heroes in Dublin last December as qualification for WEURO was confirmed with the 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland, while Ffion Morgan scored in the play-off semi-final against Slovakia and offers a similar profile with her pace and finishing ability. All three can deliver from the start or from the bench so expect some rotation from Wilkinson in this area.
Completing the forward options is Elise Hughes. A strong and physical presence, Hughes offers a different element to the attack when selected, and like others in the squad, has shown her mental toughness through her recovery from an ACL injury. Her stature will cause problems for opposition defences, and with the right service she could make her mark in Switzerland this summer.
