Rhian Wilkinson has admitted there is much work to do and plenty to learn - including for herself - as she reflected on the end of Wales’ Euro 2025 campaign.
The Wales head coach was honest and realistic in her assessment after the journey in Switzerland came to a painful and abrupt end with a 6-1 thrashing against England.
The result confirmed Wales’ exit from the tournament, as they finished bottom of Group D in what was their first-ever appearance at a major finals.
"It is a hard one,” admitted Wilkinson.
“We know this was not our game and we were outplayed and I was out-coached.
“It's a moment when you know you will take a lot from it. I wouldn't want to stand with any other team.
“But there is a gap between us and the top teams, and that's my job, to try and close that gap.
"I just want to thank the support. It was a tough game to stay loud and they did. We know we have got some work to do and this is not a team that is ready for tournament football. I have got to be sharper too.
"Grow and learn, that is what we have got to do. I am glad we got the goal and we know we will put our heads down and continue working.”
READ MORE: Rhian Wilkinson Hails Jess Fishlock As Wales’ Euro Campaign Ignites Then Fades
Despite the heavy loss - which showed a big gulf between the sides - the overall campaign was historic, with Fishlock scoring Wales’ first goal at a major tournament and later creating their final strike with an assist for Hannah Cain.
After the final whistle, Fishlock - Wales’ most-capped player with 165 appearances - gestured to supporters with a wave and heart symbol, prompting speculation about her potential retirement from the international stage.
"I don't know right now, I think that's a tough one, I need to take a little seat and have a little think, but no decisions have been made. As of right now I'm still a Welsh player," she said.
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Although proud of her team’s historic debut at a major finals, the 38-year-old admitted the manner of their final defeat stung deeply.
"That was a tough one," she said.
"We gave away a penalty, they get a goal out of nothing and I think it just really hit us. That's not what we wanted to happen.
“It's disappointing with that scoreline and we have to just keep learning and move on now and in the next campaigns keep moving forwards and keep getting to major tournaments.
"This is the beginning of a journey for us and we have been here and played three of the best teams in the world and found how big that jump is.
“We have to keep investing and keep building to make sure this isn't just a one-off.
"We can still celebrate being here and what it means for this nation and then we have to keep getting better. For me, I don't know right now. I don't know."
"It is tough when you work so hard and you concede things you know are going to happen. It is hard sometimes to understand that in the game, and we have to get back to the drawing board. I am still really proud of this group.”
Fishlock’s contribution on and off the field has been immense, and former Wales coach Jayne Ludlow highlighted just how irreplaceable she is.
"The sad bit is, do we have another Jess coming through? Do we have more than one? I don't know the answer," Ludlow said.
Wales ended their campaign with a goal difference of minus-11—statistically the worst in Women’s European Championship group stage history.
But Wilkinson urged calm and reflection, encouraging players to pause before making any big decisions.
"What I've said to all my players is to take a breath," Wilkinson explained.
"We’re right in the thick of something. There is so much emotion, there were great moments and there were really hard moments and painful moments and big lessons.
"It is not the time to look at future plans. I want the players to stick together as a team. Bigger life decisions can be made in the future."
