Tomorrow sees Wales create history as they take on The Netherlands in Euro 2025; their first ever match at a major tournament.
It was seven months yesterday that Wales defeated Ireland in Dublin to book their spot in Switzerland.
Since then, the squad have had a roller coaster campaign in League A of the Nations League and have had a week’s training camp in sunny Portugal.
But tomorrow is finally the day where all the talking stops, and manager Rhian Wilkinson is full of excitement ahead of the big kick off.
“Until today, and I can’t speak on behalf of anyone else, driving into Luzern and seeing all the advertisements and all the logos of the tournament, I didn’t really hit me, but now it has.
“I am really excited and I cannot wait for the bus to arrive tomorrow into the ground and then to watch these women walk out onto the field is going to be special. We’re going to make history.”
For players like captain Angharad James, Saturday evening will be the culmination of years of hard work.
Leading Cymru out at a major tournament wasn’t something James thought she would ever do, but is delighted that tomorrow she will make her dream a reality.
“For me personally it’s been a very long journey. As a group, this is something that we’ve always tried to reach and achieve, and we’ve always come short, but not any more. We’re here.
“We’ve worked so hard to give some of these players the chance to play at a major tournament. To see the Welsh flag and seeing Wales on the biggest stage of all wasn’t something I was sure I would experience in my career. To be here today is an honour.”
Luzern is currently littered with bucket hats, and there are expected to be thousands of fans flocking to the Swiss city to witness history being made.
The captain is certainly looking forward to seeing a vociferous Red Wall supporting them in the swissporarena.
“Our staff have done a great job in showcasing us on the big stage. They have helped to create this big fanbase that we have. We have some of the highest ticket sales in the whole competition, which speaks volumes to the work we’ve done on the field. That’s helped to create a fanbase that we’ve always dreamt of.
“It’s a huge thank you to them from us. It means so much to us as a group to see so many bucket hats, so many old and new Welsh jerseys, it’s so cool to see and I can’t wait to see all the photos.”
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No Fitness Issues
CARDIFF, WALES – 01 JUNE 2025: Wales’ Sophie Ingle during a training session at the Vale Resort on the 1st of June 2025. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
The biggest plus Wilkinson has heading into the opening game is the fact that she has a clean bill of health.
In the last camp, some players had some fitness issues such as Rhiannon Roberts and Jess Fishlock, but the Canadian says everyone is fit and raring to go.
“Fans don’t need to panic! Everyone keep calm, because this team is ready and they are fit. Opening day nerves are normal, excitement is normal, and this team is handling it like seasoned pros.
“They understand that this is a moment of history but they also know to not let it get too big and to just take it all in. But everyone is healthy and ready to go.”
That includes Sophie Ingle. The former skipper has not played a minute of competitive football since sustaining a season ending ACL injury in August 2024.
All this being said, Wilkinson says Ingle is ready to go, and praised her dedication to return from an awful injury.
“Sophie is healthy and back fully with the squad. Everyone has had to watch athletes go through something like an ACL injury. It’s a terrible thing, but she has been so professional and so diligent and focused to be here.
“To have her healthy and available is a testament to the hard work she’s put in, and the medical staff around her at Chelsea and here with Wales.”
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Dutch Danger
CARDIFF, WALES – 02 JUNE 2025: Wales’ Ffion Morgan and Wales’ Elise Hughes during a training session at The Vale Resort on the 2nd of June 2025. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
Wales’ first opponents in Switzerland will be The Netherlands, who are ranked eleventh in the FIFA Rankings.
The attacking prowess they possess is frightening. Vivianne Miedemna, Lineth Beerensteyn, Victoria Pelova and Jill Roord all know where the back of the net is, and Wilkinson knows full well how dangerous they will be.
“I’m expecting a really good match. Holland are a top team. They are very fluid and they have some of the biggest stars in the game.
“They are an enjoyable team to watch and I’m looking forward to challenging my team up against them. It’ll be a nice colour clash as well!”
However, one thing that will certainly provide a boost to Wales will be the Dutch’s defensive record.
The Oranje have not kept a clean sheet for over a year, and Wilkinson says that highlights the need for Wales to be at their clinical best tomorrow night.
“Being clinical has definitely been a focus for us. We know as a team we have to keep making sure that we’re sharp and that we make our moments count. The Dutch have allowed a few goals in, but they have also scored a lot. It is going to be a great game, and I’ve really enjoyed studying them.
“I like the way they play. As a team, we want the challenge and to be able to showcase the team in how they can adapt to any opposition. Success for us is that the team shows up and shows the confidence to just play.”
Wales head into their maiden tournament as major underdogs. Cymru are the lowest ranked team in the entire competition, while all three of their Group D opponents rank in the top eleven.
However, captain James had a clear message to everyone doubting them, and this is to underestimate this team at your peril.
“Diana Matheson spoke to us last night, and she said it was a privilege to be the underdogs, and that’s the attitude we’re going in with.
“Underestimate us all you want, but we know that we are ready for the fight, we’re ready for this game, to be here and to be present. We will take each team and game as it comes.”
(Featured Image: John Smith/FAW)
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