It was far from the dream farewell—but perhaps exactly the kind of grounding Wales needed.
In their final outing before a historic first appearance at a major tournament, Rhian Wilkinson’s trailblazing Wales side were handed a sobering 4-1 Nations League defeat by Italy in Swansea. A reminder, if ever one was needed, of the ruthlessness at the elite level.
Yet, amid the sting of the scoreline, there were reasons to believe this team will be far more than just participants at the upcoming European Championships.
A defiant second-half performance, punctuated by a sublime goal from the evergreen Jess Fishlock, offered a glimpse of Wales’ steel. And with head coach Wilkinson striking a candid and composed tone post-match, there is little sense of panic—just urgency, clarity, and resolve.
Because there’s no time to dwell. With their Euros debut against the Netherlands fast approaching on 5 July in Lucerne, every hour counts.
Learning Fast and Moving Forward
The focus now shifts swiftly to post-match analysis and meticulous preparation. Wales, who were narrowly and controversially beaten in Denmark just days before facing Italy, will conduct a full debrief in the coming days—both tactical and logistical.
Behind the scenes, conversations between staff and players will ensure lessons are taken to heart, but not allowed to linger.
Injuries are also under the microscope. Centre-back Rhiannon Roberts, who suffered a groin issue ahead of the Denmark match, is expected to recover in time for Switzerland. More worryingly, promising teenager Mayzee Davies faces an anxious wait after a suspected knee injury in Odense. The full extent is yet to be confirmed.
Domestic Camps and Tailored Preparation
As the squad briefly disperses, preparations continue on two fronts.
Veteran midfielder Fishlock, fresh off her wonder strike, returns to Seattle Reign alongside captain Angharad James to continue their club campaigns in the NWSL. With three fixtures to come before the summer break, both will maintain high-level match fitness across the Atlantic.
Back home in the Vale of Glamorgan, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) will offer two optional domestic training camps—focused, flexible, and player-centred. These sessions are designed to balance recovery with readiness. Some will opt for rest; others, especially those needing minutes, will seize the opportunity to sharpen.
One such player could be forward Kayleigh Barton, included in the last two matchday squads but yet to see minutes. Meanwhile, former captain Sophie Ingle continues her return from a long-term knee injury. Though still under Chelsea’s care, cooperation between club and country remains exemplary, with Wilkinson praising the WSL champions for accelerating Ingle’s rehabilitation.
Yr Wyddfa to Portugal – A Campaign Begins in Earnest
Symbolism will meet strategy when Wales unveil their final 23-player squad on 19 June—not in a press room, but atop Yr Wyddfa, the nation’s highest peak. At 1,085m above sea level, it’s a fitting place to begin a journey that’s already scaling new heights.
Just days later, the squad will decamp to the Algarve’s Cascade resort for a high-intensity pre-tournament camp. The FAW knows the venue well from previous campaigns, and Wilkinson—who boasts 183 caps for Canada—is equally familiar, having trained there herself during her playing days.
There will be no international friendly at this stage, with Wilkinson favouring a focused, in-house match. The emphasis is on controlled, purposeful preparation, not headline-grabbing warm-ups.
The Final Countdown to History
From Portugal, it’s a direct flight to Switzerland. The team’s base in Weinfelden, in the country’s north, has received Wilkinson’s personal seal of approval. Already, FAW staff have been on-site tailoring the facilities to the squad’s needs—from a dedicated gym and media centre to custom training pitches.
A nearby hotel, reserved exclusively for the team, completes the high-performance setup.
From here, the real work begins.
Wales kick off their historic Euros campaign against the Netherlands on 5 July at Luzern’s 16,496-capacity Allmend Stadion. Then, it’s France on 9 July in St Gallen, before a tantalising group stage finale against reigning champions England—also in St Gallen—on 13 July.
A Nation Ready
These women have already made history. Now, with composure, conviction, and a country behind them, they’re ready to write the next chapter.
