Cymru head coach Rhian Wilkinson has called on the Red Wall to come out in numbers and not take for granted the opportunity to watch the iconic players in her squad make history against the Republic of Ireland.
“This is an opportunity to see some of the very greatest that will ever wear a Welsh jersey at home in a very meaningful game for their country,” explained Wilkinson as she announced her squad for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Play-Off Final. “We need the support as playing at home with that crowd behind you can never be underestimated. It’s a massive boost for my players, but equally it’s the right thing to come out and see this group of players live because it’s a special, special team.”
A two-legged tie against the Republic of Ireland stands between Cymru and a first appearance at a major women’s tournament. The 1st leg of the Play-Off Final takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 29 November (7.15pm) and over 13,000 tickets have already been sold. The decisive return match then takes place at the Avivia Stadium in Dublin on Tuesday, 3 December (7.30pm). The winners will confirm their place at the finals which will be held in Switzerland next summer.
“We’ve both earned the right to be here and to be vying against one another for this incredible opportunity,” Wilkinson added. “We’re similarly ranked and I’m excited about an opportunity to challenge ourselves against a really worthy opponent that has beaten France recently and has put in some good performances. We can’t have another another dip like we had against Slovakia, so from the very first game we’ve got to make sure we’re hitting the ground running.”
Cymru qualified for the Play-Off Final with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Slovakia, a tie that required extra-time in Cardiff following a 2-1 defeat in the 1st leg. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland cruised to a 9-0 aggregate win over Georgia. “We have two incredible challenges and opportunities ahead of us ,” said Wilkinson. “These women have chosen to wear the Welsh jersey, and when you choose to do that, you choose to live uncomfortably. These are the games that are meaningful and they have pressure on them.
“You don’t have to play for Wales, it’s a privilege. We get to step into these these incredible moments in front of our home fans and then away at an amazing stadium like the Aviva and show what we can do, and that’s what it’s about. There is inherent risk in what we do in terms of there’s judgement, there’s scrutiny and there’s expectation. But equally, we could have all chosen to do something else with our careers, and we haven’t. It’s exciting.”
Jess Fishlock put in another talismanic performance in the 2nd leg against Slovakia to ensure Cymru’s progress, and Wilkinson was keen to praise the influence of her star midfielder. “She’s changed football in Wales, but she’s also changed sport in Wales,” she added. “She’s given it a platform and she’s done it fearlessly. I really am in awe of her and her teammates as well. They do that really willingly, they they stand up for their beliefs and what they think is right, and that’s a lot to ask of our athletes.
“She plays a whole other level when she plays for Wales because she accepts that pressure and she’s lived with it for a long time. That’s where our players can really learn from her, in that these are opportunities that can’t be missed, as in moments to wear the badge, to wear the jersey, the dragon across your heart. It can almost become just something you do, but Jess has never let that happen. Every time that she’s earned a cap for Wales it has been special for her.
“Her family are the same too. I don’t know them well, but they always show up whether we’re home or away, so obviously that pride runs deep in the family. She never lets a jersey be wasted, and I think that’s where we can all learn from her. I’ve spoken about how representing your country is a privilege, and I remember someone saying when I was playing for Canada that the only people that can wear the emblem across their heart are the military to protect, and our athletes to inspire.
“We’re making a difference in communities around Wales. We know that we still have a lot of work to do and Jess is spearheading that along with her teammates. I think people that didn’t take the opportunity to get out and see Gareth Bale in person regret it, and we’ve got one in Jess Fishlock. Don’t miss the opportunity to to see them live and the next generation coming through. It’s a great group and I’m excited for them to showcase their abilities in these games.”
Prior to Wilkinson’s appointment in February, assistant coach Jon Grey took temporary charge of the squad for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland and claimed a 2-0 win through goals from Fishlock and Lily Woodham. “I went to that game and it was the first time I met the team,” Wilkinson added. “Winning is always going to breed success and positivity, but their team is not the same and we’re not the same either. It’s a brand new challenge. We know that they’re beatable because of the game in February, but equally, we’ll have to be better than we were in February to beat them again.
“From the beginning, part of my mandate was to qualify for the EURO. I don’t think we’ve ever hidden from that and part of my mandate also is building a legacy that’s incredible and very special. We know the importance of major tournaments and what they can do, but what this team has already done can’t be ignored. I think that’s really important because they do carry a lot of the weight of the past with them, and they don’t need to.
“The legacy of what they’ve already achieved is seen in the 13,000 tickets sold. The game is changing in Wales because of this group of players. We can’t pretend that the EURO’s are not important to that, but equally, I want to mention how much they’ve already done. We want to break the record with ticket sales for lots of reasons. We’re excited about that and we’re excited to to get that crowd in there and be loud. My message is please show up, we need you. It will be such an incredible moment. These women are iconic, they’re leaving a legacy. Be a part of it.”
Squad announcement
Rhian Wilkinson’s press conference
Cymru v Rep. of Ireland
A chance to make history in the capital
