CYMRU Women’s manager Rhian Wilkinson believes her team is on the cusp of making history as they aim for their first-ever major tournament appearance at Euro 2025.
While Cymru’s men’s team has qualified for several major tournaments since 2016, the women’s side is yet to reach a major finals. However, they are now just two games away from securing a place at next summer’s European Championship, a milestone that would mark a new chapter in Welsh football.
In their bid to qualify, Cymru will face the Republic of Ireland, who are also striving for their first-ever Euros appearance. The two teams are closely matched, with Cymru ranked 29th in the world, just five places behind 24th-ranked Ireland.
Wilkinson has described the Republic of Ireland as “beatable,” despite their status as favourites. Eileen Gleeson’s side impressed in a tough Nations League A group, notably beating France and thrashing Georgia in a dominant play-off. Meanwhile, Cymru earned their spot in the final by topping their Nations League B group and overcoming Slovakia in a play-off.
As both teams prepare for the pivotal clash, Wilkinson is focused on ensuring her players seize the opportunity to make history.
“We are excited. We’ve talked throughout the campaign about opportunity and privilege,” Wilkinson said. “Part of my job is to just stay out of the players’ way because they are ready, they are excited, and enjoying being together. We have worked hard to be in this position. We want to take this opportunity that we have in front of us.”
For Wilkinson, leading Cymru into this high-stakes play-off final will be one of the “proudest moments” of her career. The match is expected to be played in front of a record crowd, adding to the significance of the occasion.
“I think it will be a real battle. These are two countries that take the opportunity to grow the game very seriously,” she added. “I think it will be a showcase game. Two teams who want to fight for their country and see where they can get to. The occasion is inspiring. This is the exciting part—it’s what the players have been working for, for a long time. I hope having the support of the crowd behind us can be a difference-maker.”
Cymru Captain Angharad James reflects on progress
Cymru captain Angharad James has emphasised that the squad is focusing firmly on the task at hand, rather than the potential for history.
“Whenever we pull on that red jersey, every game is just as important as any other, and that’s how we’ve tried to prepare for this game,” James said. “As a group, we are ready. These are the games we want to play in. We have prepared well and are really looking forward to it.”
James also acknowledged the significance of the occasion for the game in Cymru, highlighting the record crowd expected for the home leg of the play-off.
“It feels like a landmark moment for the game in Cymru. To have a record crowd for the home game is great and shows how far we’ve come as a nation,” she said. “It’s a great achievement for us, because we are looking to inspire the next generation too. To see the fans there, little girls and boys who might be in our position one day, we take that really seriously.”
Republic of Ireland Manager Eileen Gleeson prepares for ‘huge game’
Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson has predicted a closely contested match between the two sides, recalling their friendly encounter in February, which Cymru won 2-0 in Dublin.
“It’s a huge game for both with a big reward at the end of it, so we are expecting a fairly evenly-matched tie,” Gleeson said. “It is two teams with similar profiles. We know Cymru are really well-organised, have good mobility, and key players, so we expect it to be evenly matched.”
Ireland are aiming to qualify for their second successive major tournament after securing a World Cup spot in 2022 by defeating Scotland in a play-off. In contrast, Cymru missed out on a World Cup berth after a heartbreaking extra-time loss to Switzerland.
“Qualifying for the World Cup was one experience, it was our first qualification, and like Cymru, we’ve never qualified for a Euros, so we are pushing for that,” Gleeson added. “But there is no denying qualification and winning a play-off was a really positive experience for us, and we will be looking to draw on that.”
Team news
Cymru will be without former captain Sophie Ingle for the remainder of the season following ACL surgery, while striker Elise Hughes is also sidelined with a similar injury. However, there are no fresh injury concerns following their play-off victory. Leicester forward Hannah Cain, who has returned to full fitness after a second ACL surgery, could play an increased role in the upcoming matches.
The Republic of Ireland are also dealing with a number of injuries, with Louise Quinn, Ellen Molloy, Lucy Quinn, Jamie Finn, and Jess Ziu all unavailable. Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion has also joined the injury list, with Gleeson confirming she has left the squad due to a muscle issue.
Cymru will have the option of selecting Jess Fishlock, who missed the first leg of the play-off semi-final through injury. Fishlock, who remains a key figure for Cymru, is also regarded as a threat by Ireland’s Gleeson.
“Jess is a top player, a really top player at club and international level,” Gleeson said. “We are hugely respectful of her. To still be playing at the level she is at her age is a testament to her.”
Broadcast Details
Cymru v Republic of Ireland (First Leg)
- Date: 29 November
- Broadcast: BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer from 7pm (Kick-off at 7.15pm)
- Radio: Radio Wales Sport, Chwaraeon Radio Cymru, and BBC Sounds from 7pm
Republic of Ireland v Cymru (Second Leg)
- Date: 3 December
- Broadcast: BBC One Wales, BBC Three, and BBC iPlayer from 7.15pm (Kick-off at 7.30pm)
- Radio: Radio Wales Sport, Chwaraeon Radio Cymru, and BBC Sounds from 7pm
