Wilkinson: Wales Prioritizes Euro Qualification Over Nations League Return

Rhian Wilkinson, who became Wales manager in February 2024, has stated that the team’s primary objective is to qualify for a major tournament for the first time, notwithstanding their “exciting” re-entry into the top division of the Nations League. The Wales women’s national team aims to secure qualification for Euro 2025, hosted in Switzerland, prior to facing Denmark, Italy, and Sweden in the Nations League early the following year. Their path to next summer’s European finals involves defeating the Republic of Ireland in a two-legged play-off final, with matches scheduled for Cardiff on 29 November and in Dublin four days subsequently. Following the Nations League draw held in Nyon, Switzerland, Wilkinson commented: “Obviously we are excited about next year but we’ve got more important objectives right around the corner.” She continued: “Our full focus is on that but very quickly after those [Republic of Ireland matches] there will be a new focus, so it’s nice to know our path.” Wilkinson further stated: “There’s a lot on these [Republic of Ireland] games that we can’t shy away from but it’s actually an opportunity for these women to play for something that is bigger than they are.” Wilkinson also remarked: “They are building a legacy in Wales and are trying to put this game on the map for women and to change the game for women in Wales.” She concluded: “This is the latest opportunity and I think you can do a lot with that kind of freedom, so I’m looking forward to it.” Wales is making its return to Nations League A, having been relegated from that tier in 2023. These matches are slated for between February and June 2025, potentially serving as optimal preparation for Euro 2025 in July, should Wales secure their spot. “We’ll look at it as some of our preparation for the Euros,” Wilkinson further stated. “There’s no easy group and this is the goal, to be in League A and to be competing and improving as a nation.” She also mentioned: “I didn’t care which group because it’s about building the game at home and giving exposure to our players against some of the best nations in the world.” All three of Wales’ Nations League adversaries participated in the 2023 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. Sweden, a World Cup semi-finalist and former European Champion, holds the fifth position in the global rankings. Italy secured the European Championship runner-up title in both 1993 and 1997, with Denmark achieving this distinction in 2017. “I was looking at these groups and Fara [Williams], who did a great job as part of the draw, said, ‘I’m sure Wales and Scotland are happy they avoided England’. Not at all,” Wilkinson stated. She elaborated: “I think that group would have been so much fun. Why would we want to be in League A if it’s not to play the most exciting games where we are going to be challenged as best as possible?” Wilkinson added: “I know the coach for Denmark very well [Andrée Jeglertz], we were both assistants for Canada together. Sweden as a country, I know a lot about and I have huge respect for Italy, a country I lived in and played in.” She concluded her remarks on the draw by saying: “So it’s great to be back in the top league and being challenged by these top teams and any one of those pots would’ve done that for Wales.” Wales is collaborating with Jess Fishlock’s club, Seattle Reign, to oversee her fitness regimen. A team’s final standing in the Nations League will influence their ranking for qualification to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Consequently, teams that are promoted will receive a higher seeding compared to those relegated from the divisions immediately above them. During the World Cup qualifying phase, the four group winners from League A will automatically secure a spot in Brazil, while the remaining berths will be decided via a sequence of play-off matches. The precise specifics of the play-off route are yet to be finalized, although UEFA has indicated that “in principle, teams from leagues A, B and C will be involved in the play-offs”.