Relegation from the top tier of the UEFA Women’s Nations League may have stung, but head coach Rhian Wilkinson insists she sees a bigger picture for Wales.
Wales complete their campaign at home to Italy on Tuesday night before turning their full attention to a first-ever major-tournament appearance at Euro 2025.
The team’s League A adventure ended in Odense on Friday, a 1-0 defeat to Denmark confirming the drop.
It was a night of frustration: Jess Fishlock appeared to have prodded the ball over the line with the game still goalless, yet with no VAR or goal-line technology the “goal” was never awarded.
That sense of being agonisingly close without reward has been a recurring theme, and Wilkinson is unhappy being a plucky loser.
“We walked away with a bit of frustration,” she admitted.
“I don’t want to be a team that just gets close, and I don’t think they are either. How far the team has come in a year is remarkable.
“But it’s not good enough to get close and, if I’m honest, I thought we might have had a win by now. We’re banging on the door and hopefully we’re going to open one.”
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The Denmark setback also delivered a pair of injury scares.
Veteran defender Rhiannon Roberts was withdrawn before kick-off as a precaution, and teenage Manchester City centre-back Mayzee Davies left the field early after an innocuous challenge.
As the medical team await scan results, Wilkinson admitted her concern.
“Whenever you see a player go down like that you’re concerned, and our fingers are crossed for quick healing,” she said.
“Equally this is a young player and we’ll do whatever we can to make sure she’s being looked after appropriately.
“Medical attention is ongoing with the two players to make sure we’re looking after them as well as possible. With the Euros upcoming, we’ve got to do everything right with those players.”
There was brighter news for Wales fans on the rehab front, however.
Former skipper Sophie Ingle, sidelined since tearing her ACL in September, trained with the squad for the first time on Monday and remains on course for selection when Wilkinson names her 23-player list on 19 June.
“Soph is ahead of schedule. With an ACL it’s how a player is feeling and is confident in their knee,” Wilkinson explained.
“We still have over four weeks to the first game (July 5) and how do we best utilise that time? Part of that is not pushing it.”
READ MORE: Rhian Wilkinson Insists Wales Are On The Up . . . Even Though They’re Going Down
The 141-cap midfielder’s return to the group provided an emotional lift.
“It was great to see her back,” Wilkinson said.
“Any injury is a lonely place to be… and one of the big gains is not just being back on the field with the ball, but being back with team-mates.”
Tuesday’s meeting with Italy in Swansea offers one last competitive rehearsal before Wales head to Switzerland, where group-stage clashes with the Netherlands, France and England await.
For Wilkinson, however, the measuring stick is not simply the scoreboard; it is how far her players have travelled in 12 months and how ready they are to take the next step.
“I’m obviously disappointed with relegation but I’m proud that we’ve gone for everything,” she insisted. “I’m proud of the entire team.”
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