Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson has paid tribute to Jess Fishlock ahead of her final game for her country and has called on the Red Wall to come out and show their appreciation for one of the true legends of the women’s game.
“I think what we’re all realising and recognising now is that she is a generational player that has given everything for her country,” said Wilkinson at her squad announcement press conference this week. “She’s being recognised worldwide, which is appropriate for how much she’s loved playing for Wales and how much she’s given to do that.”
Cymru take on Australia for the very first time at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday 25 October (KO 14:00) before hosting Poland at Rodney Parade on Tuesday 28 October (KO 19:45). Fishlock announced earlier in the week that this will be her 166th and final appearance for Cymru almost two decades on from her debut in 2006.
“This is the last game and it’s one of these moments in sporting history that will be talked about,” Wilkinson added. “It’s 2pm on a Saturday and we’ve done that on purpose to make sure that there are as many young people, old people, Welsh people and footballing fans in the crowd as possible. Don’t miss this opportunity, because it is quite literally the last one.”
Injuries have ruled out a handful of senior players for the double-header but there is an opportunity for the next generation to come and impress as Cymru return to action for the first time since the EURO finals in the summer. The match against Australia will also honour Kayleigh Barton who announced her retirement following the finals in Switzerland during the summer.
“There’s no good time to retire,” Wilkinson added. “You either get it right and you only recognise that you got it right a few years down the road, or you get it wrong and you’re injured, or a coach needs to make the decision for you, which is painful and you feel cheated.
“It’s just got to be something that feels right and that you have a conversation with your loved ones, but it’s not a nice time at all. It’s quite lonely as well.
“We had lots of conversations but it’s such a private moment when someone makes that final decision. The two of them will be retiring on the day, these two women who’ve given so much and to sit there on the other end of the phone when they make that decision, it’s not easy to hear, but also, I’m hugely appreciative of everything they’ve done.”
Barton has already moved to the next chapter of her football career by taking over as manager of Saltdean United, and Wilkinson was asked what could be next for Fishlock. “The world is her oyster,” she explained.
“I think that is one of the scary moments when the world is in front of you and I wouldn’t want to pigeonhole it. She really needs to take her time and whatever she does, I’m sure she’ll do incredibly well with it.”
Australia will take on Cymru and England during their visit as they prepare for the Asian Cup in March next year. The side are currently 15th in the FIFA World rankings and head coach Joe Montemurro has a wealth of talent at his disposal. Meanwhile, Poland joined Cymru as debutants at EURO 2025 and claimed an impressive victory over Denmark in their final group match before being eliminated.
“Australia are an athletic team, a superb team,” Wilkinson added. “It’s just another test for us against a top opposition with some big names. They’re a great opposition for us and a good test, and we need to get used to playing teams like that so that when we show up at major events in the future, the next EURO, the next World Cup, that we’re not over-awed by that experience.
“I think (Poland) will be a battle, and two different types of teams in the same window is a really good test for a very young Welsh team. I’m really looking forward to talking about how many players stepped up and took their moment, because this is what happens when we have injuries, but equally, when we have these new beginnings of a four-year cycle.”
Wilkinson was also asked about Cymru’s major tournament debut at the EURO finals over the summer and what they will take from the overall experience. “A lot of learnings,” she explained.
“It was one of those tournaments where we honestly felt like we were going to run someone close, and we didn’t. Most of the players that I’ve spoken to have that same feeling, a frustration that know we had more in us to give.
“We’ve tested ourselves against the best. We knew it was going to be hard, but how do we balance that experience that is so necessary to deliver results and performances with this youth, the naiveness of youth, that can be so beneficial against those top oppositions?
“There’s a lot to be excited about and I’m really looking forward to Monday now and actually getting back with them, because it’s been a long time.”
