Games against Italy and Sweden will help replicate the challenge Wales will face at The Euros
RHIAN Wilkinson’s Wales will use their Nations League step-up to learn to balance taking risks against top-level opposition without being “stupid”.
Wilkinson’s women are the lowest ranked nation in League A, meaning every game is a chance to prepare for the intensity of the Euros this summer, facing higher-ranked opposition.
“It’s a fine line between bravery and stupidity and that’s something I need to balance,” she said.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to show this team on a world stage and that’s what I will be doing in League A.
“We have to make sure that we are growing as a team, improving as a team and pushing our own performances.”
The Canadian is looking forward to the challenge of facing League A opposition – a right Wales earned for the first time by finishing top of their Euros qualification group.
“We have a really perfect run-in to our Euros,” she said.
“We need to make sure that any time we have the opportunity to play top opposition like we do in League A, that we make the most of that experience, that we are brave enough to play.”
Wales are in group A4 of the Nations League and will face international tournament regulars Denmark, Sweden and Italy across three separate camps prior to the Euros in July.
Preparation for the summer has also ramped up off the pitch, with the FAW having today released the location of the squad’s training base in Switzerland.
After months of planning and research, in which the FAW visited over 20 possible options in the Alpine host nation, Sportanlage Güttingersreuti in the town of Weinfelden has been chosen.
Wilkinson said: “Our operations team have secured a fantastic location which gives a good balance of what we need both on and off the pitch to be at our best in Switzerland this summer.”
Return of long-term absentees
Esther Morgan and Elise Hughes are back in the squad following long term injuries.
Hughes’s return, following a nine-month ACL injury, is particularly timely for Wilkinson.
“Having an out-and-out striker gives us a different look that we can show,” she said.
Sophie Ingle and Rachel Rowe are both making good progress but are not available for this camp, Wilkinson confirmed.
Meanwhile, Hayley Ladd is just one appearance away from her 100th cap and is in line to join an illustrious list of centurions.
There was also a first call up for 17-year-old Manchester United defender Scarlett Hill who is also eligible to play for England at senior level.
The Squad
Olivia Clark (Leicester City), Laura O’Sullivan-Jones (Gwalia United), Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Josie Green (Crystal Palace), Charlie Estcourt (DC Power), Hayley Ladd (Everton), Gemma Evans (Liverpool), Mayzee Davies (Manchester City), Lily Woodham (Crystal Palace, on loan from Seattle Reign), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Scarlett Hill (Manchester United), Esther Morgan (Sheffield United), Alice Griffiths (Durham, on loan from Southampton), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Lois Joel (Newcastle United), Carrie Jones (IFK Norrköping), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Ellen Jones (Sunderland), Kayleigh Barton (Charlton Athletic), Mary McAteer (Sunderland), Mared Griffiths (Manchester United), Hannah Cain (Leicester City), Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace)
- Wales will face Italy in Monza on Friday February 21 and Sweden in Wrexham on Tuesday, February 25.
