Rhian Wilkinson has targeted maximum points from the upcoming double-header against Albania as Cymru look to move a step closer to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Cymru host Albania in their third match of the campaign at the STōK Cae Ras in Wrexham on Tuesday, 14 April (KO 19:15) before heading to Elbasan, Albania for the return Group B1 match on Saturday, 18 April (KO 17:00 UK).
Cymru are currently top of the group with four points from their opening two games and tickets for the match in Wrexham are available here.
“We’re looking to win the group,” said Wilkinson at Thursday’s squad announcement. “That’s the goal and the ambition, and we don’t want to be shy about saying that. Welsh football is really at an exciting time where our standards now are that we expect to be at every major tournament on the men’s and women’s side. That is a huge testament to the work being done by the association.”
Cymru began the campaign in March with a 2-2 draw away to Czechia before Montenegro were comprehensively defeated 6-1 at Llanelli a few days later. Czechia are Cymru’s main rivals in the group and it was Elise Hughes that salvaged a point for Wilkinson’s side with her equaliser in added time.
“That was an important result for us,” she added. “Four points from the first window is not a bad thing at all, we’re very pleased with it. But I think there’s this step up that I expect from the team and our standards, and for them to hold those standards for themselves, no matter who the opposition are.
“I thought there were good moments against Montenegro, but equally I thought we could be even sharper. I’m glad my standards are that high and I’m glad that the team standards are that high. So we go again against Albania, and we need to make sure that we’re hitting the ground running because it’s going to be a tight race with a few teams in our group.”
Albania began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Montenegro but suffered a 5-1 reverse at home to Czechia in their second game. “They’ve got a few really excellent players,” said Wilkinson. “On any given day, if you don’t show up, you’ll be punished. On paper I think that we are the favourites in those games, but we will need to show up.”
Teenage defender Mayzee Davies makes a long-awaited return after suffering an ACL injury on the eve of the EURO’s last summer, although Wilkinson did explain that her fitness will be assessed before she will be considered for the match day squad. “Mayzee’s coming in as a training player,” she explained. “We don’t want to put that pressure on her at this point, but to have her back is really important.
“She’s been working hard and we’ve been in touch with her to make sure she’s feeling seen during a long process. Knee injuries are so individual as well, and comparing herself to anyone else is dangerous. She’s done a great job of just checking the boxes and I love seeing the love for her from her teammates. She wouldn’t be coming in if she wasn’t able to contribute in training.
“She’s still very young, but her ability on the ball, her calmness, and just in general, she just doesn’t have nerves. It’s an amazing thing to watch. Our young players just so confident, without arrogance, just confident that they’ve done the work. She’s got a bright future, and we’re really excited to get her back with her teammates.”
However, goalkeeper Olivia Clark misses out on the squad through an injury sustained during the last international camp. Lucy Farrell-Shrouder comes into the senior squad for the first time to replace her, and the 22-year-old will join Poppy Soper and Safia Middleton-Patel. The newcomer is one of four uncapped players in the squad for these two games.
This will be Cymru’s first match in Wrexham in over a year. The last time the team were in action at the STōK Cae Ras was in February 2025 when a penalty from Kayleigh Barton earned the side an impressive 1-1 draw with Sweden in the UEFA Nations League. Over 6,000 fans were in attendance that night and Wilkinson is keen to return.
“I love going around Wales,” she explained. “It’s not the easiest thing for my and players as all our equipment is here (in Cardiff) and it’s almost like having two away games just because we have to bring everything with us. But it’s invaluable to be out in the community and to be visible to young girls across the country.
“We’ve got 20,000 female players now across the country and we want them to be able to come to our games and not just have to travel to Cardiff. It’s also our anniversary year and a lot of history was made in Wrexham, including reversing the ban on women’s football in Wales (in 1970). There’s a lot that aligns with where we want to be and I look forward to bringing the players there.”
