Wales return to Wrexham sitting top of Group B1 in their World Cup qualifying campaign, but with Albania just a point behind in third, head coach Wilkinson has made it clear there is no room for complacency.
“I’ve talked about how impressed I’ve been with some of their players,” she said.
“They’re a team that will hurt us if we don’t do the basics well, so it’s a real challenge for us, an opportunity to raise our level and be excited about an opposition that will test us to be better than we were before.”
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That message has set the tone ahead of a fixture Wilkinson believes will demand discipline and focus from her squad, even as they look forward to another occasion in front of a passionate home crowd.
“I think being able to travel with this team and play at Cae Ras is a special thing to be able to do,” explained Wilkinson.
“It’s a tight stadium, an old stadium. It’s got such energy coming out of it and I know the players are as excited as I am for tomorrow.
“It’s such a special stadium so to have it filled with the red wall, with our fantastic fanbase, to hear that anthem being sung loud and proud, is a special thing. It’s a difference maker.
“We want to keep traveling with this team to make sure that our young boys and girls across Wales are getting to see these special women in person. So I hope everyone is able to come out and see them, because this is a very good team.”
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While the occasion promises to be memorable, Wilkinson’s focus remains firmly on execution, knowing Albania have the quality to capitalise on any lapses.
Captain Angharad James echoed that sentiment, emphasising the importance of preparation as Wales look to build on their unbeaten start to qualifying.
“The preparations have been really good,” said James.
“We’ve had a good solid week of prep time which you know we don’t usually get on a camp so it’s been really nice. It’s been exactly the prep that we need and wanted ready for Albania tomorrow.”
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Despite collecting four points from their opening two matches, the Wales skipper admitted the squad are striving for even higher standards.
“I think it’s really important that we build,” she added.
“We’ve had a good start to the campaign, having four points from the first two games, and I think in a way disappointed that we didn’t get the six. It’s testament to this group that’s where we feel our standards should be.
“Albania are a very strong and good team at what they do. We have to respect that. First and foremost, we will concentrate on ourselves and our game plan, but we’re very cautious of what they can do and how they can hurt us.”
With a return fixture to follow in Albania on Saturday, this opening encounter in Wrexham could prove pivotal in shaping the group standings.
But as Wilkinson has made clear, whatever the stakes or setting, success will hinge on Wales getting the fundamentals right.
