Sophie Ingle has overcome a serious knee injury to be included in Wales’ historic squad for the finals of the Women’s EURO 2025.
The former Wales captain has made head coach Rhian Wilkinson’s 23-player group despite missing the whole of last season after injuring her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Chelsea's pre-season win over Feyenoord last September.
Ingle, 33, has been named in the squad following a nine-month recovery from the ACL tear.
The midfielder, capped 141 times and one of Wales’ most experienced figures, had faced a race against time to prove her fitness but returned to full training last month ahead of this summer’s showpiece in Switzerland.
Ingle was recently released by Chelsea, but continued with her own recovery programme and after she returned to training, Wilkinson said: “It was a huge moment for Sophie — not just to be back with the ball, but back among her team-mates.
“You could see what it meant to her. She’s worked so hard in rehab, and while we won’t rush her, she’s absolutely on track.”
Ingle’s inclusion marks a significant boost for Wales ahead of the tournament in Switzerland next month.
A former captain and one of four centurions in the squad — alongside Jess Fishlock, Angharad James, and Hayley Ladd — her presence adds steel and leadership to a group preparing to take on the continent’s best.
Young defender Mayzee Davies, who suffered a knee injury against Denmark, has not been included but experienced full-back Rhiannon Roberts has won her own fitness battle and is part of the squad.
READ MORE: Wales’ Sophie Ingle Reaches Summer Crossroads After Chelsea Exit
Wales, who will be led by current captain James, have been drawn into a daunting group featuring the Netherlands (EURO 2017 champions), France (semi-finalists in 2017), and defending champions England.
The top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals.
Wilkinson acknowledged the size of the task but emphasised the squad's readiness.
“This is a moment of pride for the country. We’ve never been here before, and these players have earned the right to compete at this level.”
Wales kick off their campaign on 5 July against the Netherlands in Lucerne, before facing France on 9 July and England on 13 July in St. Gallen.
Despite the formidable opposition, Wales will have no shortage of support — with over 2,000 fans from the Red Wall expected at each match, making them one of the best-backed nations in Switzerland.
The announcement of the squad at the top of Yr Wyddfa — 1,085 metres above sea level — was a symbolic gesture, representing the heights the team has already climbed and the new ground they are breaking.
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But the big story is Ingle — not just making it back, but ready to make a difference.
“She’s shown resilience, professionalism, and real character,” Wilkinson added. “To have her back in red this summer means everything — to her, to the team, and to the fans.”
Wales will meet and depart from Cardiff on Sunday 22 June for a week-long training camp in
Portugal to prepare for the tournament.
They will then arrive in Switzerland on Sunday 29 June where the team will be based will be in Lipperswil and Weinfelden in the canton of Thurgau.
The FAW have also unveiled a giant inflatable Wales shirt at the foot of Yr Wyddfa, marking the launch of the ‘Ein Crys Cymru’ Tour across the nation.
The names of the players selected for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 will be displayed on the back of the giant shirt, in tribute to the individuals who will represent the nation on the European stage.
From Eryri, the shirt will then travel to Welsh towns and cities to build excitement across the country ahead of this summer’s tournament in Switzerland.
When the national women’s side first formed, players wore borrowed men’s kits.
It then wasn’t until 2019 that Wales women players saw their own names printed on the back of their shirts, a landmark moment of recognition and representation.
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Former captain and UEFA Vice President, Laura McAllister said: “I played for Cymru during a time when having our own kit felt like a luxury.
“The progress we’ve made since then is extraordinary, and we can see how much more we can still achieve together.
“The Cymru shirt is more than just fabric, it offers a badge of honour, and this national tour gives us all a moment to reflect, to celebrate, and to show every girl in Wales that they belong in football.”
Captain Angharad James said: “When I put on this shirt, it represents every woman who paved the way for us and those who fought to get us here.
“This Cymru team has earned its place on the biggest stage, and we’ll wear this shirt with pride. This shirt belongs to all of us, and we want every person in Wales to feel part of our journey to Switzerland.”
Wales: Olivia CLARK (Leicester City), Safia MIDDLETON-PATEL (Manchester United), Poppy SOPER (Unattached), Charlie ESTCOURT (DC Power), Gemma EVANS (Liverpool), Josie GREEN (Crystal Palace), Hayley LADD (Everton), Esther MORGAN (Sheffield United), Ella POWELL (Bristol City), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Unattached), Lily WOODHAM (Seattle Reign), Jess FISHLOCK (Seattle Reign), Alice GRIFFITHS (Unattached), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Sophie INGLE (Unattached), Angharad JAMES (Seattle Reign), Lois JOEL (Newcastle United), Rachel ROWE (Southampton), Kayleigh BARTON (Unattached), Hannah CAIN (Leicester City), Elise HUGHES (Crystal Palace), Carrie JONES (IFK
Norrköping), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City).
