Wales enjoy ‘truly overwhelming’ Swiss reception

Captain Angharad James says the reception the Wales squad have received on their arrival in Switzerland has been “truly overwhelming”.

Wales’ first major tournament appearance begins on Saturday, 5 June with Rhian Wilkinson’s side facing Netherlands in Lucerne.

The players arrived in their training base of Weinfelden on Sunday, 29 June and were greeted prior to their first training session by hundreds of local school children.

“It is truly overwhelming. The locals are supporting us and it has been a crazy welcome, unforgettable,” James told BBC Sport Wales.

After a week-long training camp in Lagos in Portugal, Wales have arrived in Switzerland with temperatures soaring across Europe as their preparations for their opening game ramp up.

“It feels real now. Our backroom staff have done a great job of making us feel at home here,” James said.

James reiterated her belief that despite being drawn in as tough a group as they possibly could – with games against France and England also to come – Wales, the lowest ranked side in the tournament, are confident of causing some upsets.

“Our fans have been amazing. It’s been a progression over the years. We want to inspire the next generation,” James said.

“I am really excited and proud of this group of players. I really do believe we can go into this tournament and upset a few teams.

“As long as we perform, I really believe in us, I really truly believe we will do well.”

Wales’ first training session was conducted in heat over 30C, but James said that has been no issue for the Wales players.

“We acclimatised in Portugal, we had a really good training camp and an in-house game that was very competitive,” James added.