Wales women vow ‘not to be tourists’ at Euro 2025 as they prepare for debut at major international tournament

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Wales are making their long-awaited debut at a major women’s tournament, but they’re determined not to be tourists in Switzerland.   Inspired by the men’s run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, Rhian Wilkinson’s side believe they can reach the knockout rounds—even from a daunting group featuring England, France, and the Netherlands.

Transcript

00:00Wales are making their long-awaited debut at a major women's tournament, but they're determined not to be tourists in Switzerland.

00:09Inspired by the men's run at Euro 2016 semi-finals,

00:14Rian Wilkinson's side believe they can reach the knockout rounds even from a daunting group featuring England, France and the Netherlands.

00:22Ranked 30th in the world, they've shown steady progress under Wilkinson,

00:27aside from a heavy 4-1 defeat to Italy in June, Wales have proven hard to beat,

00:32never conceding more than twice in a match or losing by more than one goal during Wilkinson's 15-month tenure.

00:40They twice held Sweden to 1-1 draws this year, a sign of how far they've come since Wilkinson succeeded Gemma Granger.

00:48Wilkinson, a 43-year-old former Canada international with 183 caps, brings tournament experience her players lack.

00:56She won two Olympic bronze medals, a Pan Am gold medal and managed Paul and Thorns to an NWSL title.

01:03With Welsh roots on her mother's side, she's instilled a flexible adaptive style,

01:08offered switching back between a three and a four, while rotating her squad with impressive clarity.

01:15On preparing the best way we can, we're fighting for shirts, we're fighting to be in that squad,

01:20which is just increasing the training as well and the intensity in training, so it's really good.

01:26We're in a very good place at the minute.

01:28Much still depends on 38-year-old Jess Fishlock, Wales' most capped player and record goalscorer.

01:35The Seattle Reign midfielder has won the Champions League with Lyon titles in five countries

01:41and was awarded an MBE for services to women's football and the LGBT community.

01:47Goalkeeper Olivia Clarke at just 23 is one to watch.

01:51Her rise from England's seventh tier to Leicester's number one spot

01:54and Wales' first-choice stopper highlights the new wave of Welsh talent.

01:59Reaching the knockouts would be a historic achievement,

02:03but if they fall short, this campaign already represents a major leap forward

02:08for Welsh women's football and a platform to build on.

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