Wales announce 26-player squad for final Nations League fixtures | OneFootball

Wales are preparing for their final two games of the UEFA Nations League campaign. Manager Rhian Wilkinson has unveiled a 26-player squad poised to face Denmark and Italy on May 30th and June 3rd respectively.

These fixtures mark the culmination of Wales’ inaugural campaign in League A of the Nations League. Currently positioned fourth in Group 4 with two points, Cymru will aim to secure positive results to maintain their standing in the top tier, as relegation is still possible. Their eyes will also be on the summer, as they will hope to play at their top level and gain momentum coming into an historic moment in the country’s history at Euro 2025.

Wales Nations League squad highlights

Within the 26-player squad, there are some standout names and selection choices. including Mared Griffiths and Soffia Kelly. The duo have been promoted from the U19s group, following brilliant displays. This decision also reflects Wilkinson’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and giving opportunity to younger, less experienced players. Also introduced into the squad are two uncapped teenagers in Poppy Soper and Tianna Teisar.Injuries seem to be affecting Wales lately, with goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan-Jones currently sidelined due to an ACL injury. Fitness issue have promoted adjustments in the defensive lineup for both upcoming matches and the Euros.

In positive news, record goalscorer Jess Fishlock and Kayleigh Barton have also returned to the squad for the final two Nations League fixtures.

Arguably the biggest name announcement in the squad is the return of Ceri Holland. The Liverpool star rejoins the squad after scans showed her leg injury was not as bad as initially anticipated. This recovery comes two months after she feared she may miss the Euros, but having her return to the squad will provide huge relief to herself and those around her, offering valuable experience and leadership. Hayley Ladd, Fishlock and several others will also provide this type of support, which will be necessary with such crucial fixtures approaching.

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Full Wales squad

Goalkeepers

Olivia Clark, Safia Middleton-Patel, Soffia Kelly, Poppy Soper.Defenders

Rhiannon Roberts, Josie Green, Charlie Estcourt, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Mayzee Davies, Lily Woodham, Ella Powell, Esther Morgan.Midfielders

Alice Griffiths, Angharad James, Lois Joel, Carrie Jones, Jess Fishlock, Mared Griffiths.Forwards

Ceri Holland, Rachel Rowe, Kayleigh Barton, Tianna Teisar, Hannah Cain, Ffion Morgan, Elise Hughes.

Recent form and expectations

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With the squad announced, attention now turns to how these players will build on recent encouraging performances. Wales’ recent 1-1 draw against Sweden showcased their resilience and growth on the international stage.

A narrow 2-1 defeat to Denmark in their previous encounter reflected the team demonstrating competitive spirit and tactical discipline, which they will look to build on in the next two fixtures. These close results prove that Wales can perform against some of the world’s powerhouse teams, and they will utilise these final fixtures to build momentum and confidence approaching the Euros.

Upcoming fixtures

Denmark vs Wales: May 30th — Odense Stadium (6:15pm BST)

Wales v Italy: June 3rd — Swansea.com Stadium (6:30pm BST)With a combination of rising stars and seasoned internationals, Wales’ final two Nations League fixtures are more than just a battle for points. They are a crucial test of progress under Wilkinson and a chance to lay down a marker before the biggest summer of their history.

As the squad look to finish their historic League A campaign positively, fans will be eager for results and signs of the team growing in confidence, cohesion and ambition on the European stage. The last match against Italy will be Cymru’s final home game before their historic debut at the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland, where the Red Wall will once again be ready to get behind their team on home turf to help get them over the line.

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