Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson believes that competing in League A of the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign will provide the perfect preparation for her squad ahead of EURO 2025.
“We have a perfect run-in to the Euros with top opposition and every team giving us a different challenge,” she explained at the squad announcement on Wednesday. “We need to make sure that anytime we have the opportunity to play top opposition, like in League A, that we make the most of that experience and that we’re brave enough to play, to learn hard lessons, and yet to just make the most of everything we’ve got leading into a history making Euros.”
Cymru head to Monza on 21 February to take on Italy in their opening match of the Nations League campaign before facing Sweden at the StōK Cae Ras in Wrexham four days later. Wilkinson’s side will have six games to retain their place in League A, but need to balance results against the necessary development and progression needed for the side to make an impression at EURO 2025 when the finals take place in Switzerland in July.
“My bosses have been great about that,” she added. “I’ve been honest in terms of how I think that sometimes we get these opportunities and we’re too fearful to learn from the opportunity to step forward. It’s a fine line between bravery and stupidity, and something I need to to make sure we’re balancing. But equally, I’m really excited for the opportunity to show this team on the world stage, and that’s what we’ll be doing in league A.
“I will not be dictated to by a result and I think performance is critical. We have to make sure that we’re always growing as a team, improving as a team and pushing our own performances. Results are always going to be a piece of that, but they can’t be the sole dictator of how we play. You have to try things. How do we make sure that we’re always pushing our own standards and hoping that we’re going to find a combination or something that’s going to be a difference maker for us?
“We have to figure out as a staff how we set up our team so they feel like they can deliver a performance they can be proud of, that puts real pressure on the opposition and that gives us those moments that we can take advantage of against these top nations. The mandate that I want to push is that every game we improve, we learn lessons and we make mistakes. We will, because if we’re not making mistakes, what are we doing? We want fewer mistakes, but equally, if we’re not playing right on that edge then I don’t think we’re doing ourselves justice.”
Hayley Ladd (below) is set to become the latest Cymru centurion during this international window and Wilkinson supported her recent move from Manchester United to Everton. “She’s moved because she wants to play more because she knows how important that is for our international prospects,” explained Wilkinson. “She’s a great example of what we need from our players. She’s showing all the Welsh players, and also the young ones coming through, that you’ve got to fight for your career, to make sure that you’re being given every opportunity to continue to develop. And as one of our leaders to demonstrate that it’s pretty incredible.”
Wilkinson welcomes long-term absentees Elise Hughes and Esther Morgan back to Cymru senior squad, although Rachel Rowe misses out through injury. Meanwhile, Sophie Ingle continues her rehabilitation from the ACL injury she suffered last September. “I very much appreciate the support she’s getting from Chelsea,” Wilkinson explained. “Their communication with us has been fantastic and we feel like she’s in the best possible hands to to give her every opportunity to be back with us before the Euros.”
One new name in the squad is 17-year old Scarlett Hill and Wilkinson is keen to see how the Manchester United youngster enjoys the experience. “She has a really exciting way of playing that I think fits really well into the Welsh way,” she said. “Equally, she’s someone that we aren’t trying to push too quickly. We’re just giving her an experience. We want to get her around the team to help support what will become a decision for her in the future, which is who she’d like to represent. I think she’s a bit surprised, but she’s earned this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to seeing her in the environment.”
