As Wales prepare to face England in the final group of Euro 2025, Rhian Wilkinson is proud of what her side have achieved in Switzerland.

Wales go into the final day bottom of their Euros table but do still have a slim chance of progressing to the quarterfinals but would need to overturn a huge goal difference in order to do so.

Therefore, this is likely to be Cymru’s final game in Switzerland, but Wilkinson is proud of what her side have achieved, no matter what happens against England.

“I don’t think many people inside women’s football understand what we’ve been through. We’re here for the first time, and we’re here to make an impact. Part of that is to celebrate our firsts. We got to celebrate Jess’ goal twice thanks to VAR, and all these moments are so important to celebrate.

“For those countries who have a big player pool and expect to qualify for major tournaments regularly have forgotten what an achievement it is to get to these events. These women have fought so hard and for so long to have this opportunity, and I will not allow us to feel like we’re just here to participate.

“We will give as much as possible and push England till the very end. For us, we get to show up and spoil the party, and that’s a wonderful job to have.”

The squad are already seen as heroes back home. Jess Fishlock revealed that a father had messaged her to say that his young boy wanted to get a Wales shirt with her name in the back.

That alone shows how much growth football in Wales has had during the Euros, and for captain Angharad James, that is one of the biggest victories of all.

“We spoke before we came out to this tournament and we said, we’ve already won, regardless of what happens. Wales has already won, and we’ve taken huge strides forward.

“We’ve had little wins at this tournament. Jess scoring the goal, and hopefully a result tomorrow night will be the next win.

“It’s big for our nation being here and showing all the little girls and boys at home that we can play and compete on the biggest stage. We deserve to be here as a nation.”

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Squad selection

It’s impossible to predict Wilkinson’s starting eleven nowadays, but the good news is that everyone is fit, including Hayley Ladd who missed the clash against France through illness.

However, goalkeeper Poppy Soper has suffered an injury in camp which has forced her to withdraw from the squad. Aston Villa’s Soffia Kelly has been called up in her place.

Both Olivia Clark and Safia Middleton-Patel have started games in this tournament, and for such a young goalkeeping department, Wilkinson is proud of the trio who have been with her during this tournament.

“It’s been brilliant working with this young group of keepers. All three are really strong characters and the good news for Wales is that we do have a group of young keepers who have to learn to push each other for that number one spot.

“It’s a tough one for them, but it’s the situation you want as a manager. They’ve all handled it really well, and it will only serve them better in their club and international careers to push each other to be the best they can be.”

England test

DUBLIN, IRELAND – 03 DECEMBER 2024: Wales’ Gemma Evans during the 2025 European Women’s Championship, WEQ Play-offs Round 2 match between Republic of Ireland and Wales at The Aviva Stadium in Dublin on the 3rd November 2024. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)

Wales come up against an England side who are coming off the back of a huge 4-0 win over The Netherlands in Zurich, but the Lionesses still have a job to do if they want to qualify for the next round.

Wilkinson knows how tricky it will be to come up against an England team who are in form, but it’s also a challenge she relishes.

“As a Canadian, I can understand big rivalries. We’re in a good place currently. We had a strong showing against France where we had moments in the game where we demonstrated how much we’re improving, and we have another opportunity in front of us to improve even more.

“We’re looking forward to what should be a great match. England is a top team, we know that. They’ve got some fantastic players that I’ve coached before, but the pressure is all on them.”

Ten of the 23 player squad out in Switzerland were part of the team that drew 0-0 with England in Southampton in 2018.

Despite almost seven years passing since then, James says it’s a game that Wales can take a lot of heart from ahead of tomorrow.

“You don’t forget when you get a result against England, that’s for sure. We’ve spoken about the game and a lot of time has passed since then. New players have come into the squad, and we’ve got a nice mixture of younger players and more experienced ones.

“We’re prepared for tomorrow, we’ve done all the preparation, and whatever England side Sarina Wiegman decides to put out, we’re ready for them. We have to concentrate on the performance and the gameplan first and foremost.

“Do you want to knock England out? Of course you do! It’s in our blood and it’s in our DNA to want to beat England, and that will always be there.”

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)

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