Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson insists her team’s bold approach will serve them well in the Euros finals this summer, despite suffering relegation from UEFA Women’s Nations League A.
Wales went down a level following a narrow and contentious 1-0 defeat to Denmark in Odense.
Pernille Harder’s 48th-minute goal was enough to seal Wales’ fate in Group A4, but the result might have swung differently if a key first-half moment had gone their way.
A shot from Jess Fishlock appeared to cross the line before being cleared, but with no goal-line technology or VAR in use, play continued.
Still, Wilkinson remained focused on the bigger picture as she reacted after the match.
"I don't want to waste energy on that [Jess Fishlock's 'goal' that was not awarded]. I can't influence that. It looked like it [crossed the line]," she said.
"But equally, within a year, what this team has done, the steps they've taken forward, the fact that teams like Denmark are on the back foot, living in their half and we're absolutely going for them, is a testament to this team."
The defeat was Wales’ third of the campaign, and while it confirmed their drop to League B, Wilkinson highlighted the progress her players have made in competing at the top level.
"I'm frustrated. I don't think we had our best game but, even on our bad nights now, we're living with some top nations," she said.
"Yes, it could have been a goal, but equally they had some chances. But League A is not finished."
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Wilkinson’s team had started the evening needing a win to keep survival hopes alive, but an early blow saw young defender Mayzee Davies forced off with a knee injury inside six minutes—casting doubt over her Euro 2025 participation.
Denmark, meanwhile, looked dangerous throughout the first half, with Harder hitting the bar and Olivia Clark twice called into action.
Despite the Danish pressure, Wales responded well and grew into the game, coming closest through Fishlock’s denied effort and subsequent header after the break.
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Wilkinson, however, chose to focus on her side’s continued development rather than the disappointment of relegation.
"For the Euros, this is critical. This opportunity for these women to pit themselves against top nations, to see how close the margins are now, is really important," she said.
"I'm obviously disappointed with relegation but I'm proud that we've gone for everything. I'm proud of the entire team. We've used all our substitutes to make sure that roster of 23 is ready to go at any moment."
While the result ended Wales' hopes of staying in League A, Wilkinson made it clear the team isn’t done yet. With one game remaining—at home against Italy in Swansea—she expects a reaction.
"If I know anything about my team, they show up and play their best every time we have an opportunity to deliver a top Wales performance," she added.
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