For the first time ever, Wales’ women will line-up in a major tournament.
It’s a huge achievement for Rhian Wilkinson and her team. Never before has a Wales women’s side made it to the biggest stage.
Until now.
They’ve earned their spot. Beating the Republic of Ireland over two legs to make it to the finals proved they deserve it.
Now, the real test begins.
That night in Dublin
It was a massive moment in Welsh football history.
Qualification for their first ever major tournament was the prize after a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate win over Ireland.
1-1 in the first leg meant it all came down to this. It was a physical contest. Both sides knew the stakes.
Hannah Cain put Cymru ahead from the spot just after the restart. 2-1 on agg.
20 minutes later, they doubled their lead. Carrie Jones with a neat finish into the corner. 3-1. They were so close.
Ireland piled on the pressure. Wales dug deep. But cracks began to appear. Eventually, they were breached. 3-2 on agg.
Ireland almost brought things level but for some Rhiannon Roberts heroics. Wales held on. History was made.
Switzerland in sight
Wales kick-off their tournament on 5th July against the Netherlands in Lucerne. Cymru’s first ever opponents at a Euros will be the 2017 winners. Tough start.
They’ll then travel to St. Gallen where they’ll first face 2022 semi-finalists France on 9th July, before taking on reigning champions England on 13th July.
It’s a tricky group for Rhian Wilkinson to navigate. Every game will present a big challenge. But if any team is up for it, it’s this one.
Key players
Cymru will be captained by Angharad James-Turner when they kick-off in Switzerland. Experienced and competitive, she’ll lead the team with grit and determination as they look to ruffle some feathers in Group D.
She’s one of four players in the squad with over 100 caps, the others being Hayley Ladd, Wales’ all-time top-scorer Jess Fishlock, and Sophie Ingle, who’s back in the mix after nine months out with an ACL injury.
Key in attack will be Liverpool’s Ceri Holland. After nearly missing out with injury, she returned to action for the final two games of Wales’ Nations League campaign. Loving life in the WSL, she may have a big role to play this tournament.
Show your support
Cop the kits Wales’ women will wear in their first ever major tournament.
Whether you’re watching at home or jetting off to Switzerland, make it known who you’re getting behind.
