Wilkinson salutes Wales’ World Cup bid ‘finishers’

Rhian Wilkinson says the impact of her “finishers” is evidence of the increased options at Wales’ disposal as they plot a path to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Wales’ bid to reach Brazil began with a creditable 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic on Tuesday thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser from Elise Hughes.

Crystal Palace forward Hughes came off the bench along with the likes of Carrie Jones, Mared Griffiths and Mia Ross to help Wales salvage what may prove to be a vital point.

Wilkinson, whose side play their second Group B1 game against Montenegro in Llanelli on Saturday, says she is “learning more and more” about the “depth of our squad”.

Hughes headed in her fifth international goal from Gemma Evans’ cross to prevent a costly opening defeat against the Czechs, who are expected to be Wales’ main rivals in the race to finish top of the group.

Hughes, 24, came on midway through the second period in Uherske Hradiste, replacing first-half goalscorer Hannah Cain.

“This is where we’re at now with Wales, that a player of Elise Hughes’ calibre is coming into a game and you saw her skillsets,” Wilkinson added.

Hughes will hope for more game-time as Wales take on Montenegro in their first competitive home fixture since the 4-1 Nations League defeat by Italy in Swansea last June.

Manchester United’s Safia Middleton-Patel will replace Olivia Clark – who suffered an injury scare in training on Friday – in goal for Wales, with Wilkinson hinting that further changes are possible.

Captain Angharad James says the impact of Wilkinson’s substitutes in midweek proves that numerous players are “ready to go” if required.

“We are a squad now – it’s not just an XI,” the 140-cap midfielder said.

“Elise and other players came into the [Czech Republic] game and changed the game for us.

On paper, Wales’ first fixture in this campaign was their toughest, given that the Czechs are ranked 31st in the world, one place higher than Wilkinson’s team.

Montenegro are 84th in the Fifa list, while the fourth nation in the group, Albania, are 71st.

Hughes said following the Czech Republic draw that Wales should aim to win their five remaining games in the group phase of qualifying.

Though Wales have won only one of their past 14 internationals, many of which have been against high-class opposition, Seattle Reign’s James says Hughes is right.

“I think within this group, I have every confidence that we can go out and perform and win every game.”

Wilkinson, who led Wales to a first women’s major tournament in the nation’s history last year, says she is excited by the belief within her squad.

“I like that my players are so freely and so confidently saying what our ambitions are and not being frightened to do that,” she said.

“We’re all clear that we’re on a journey to improve and to get better and to challenge top nations, and to be probably more consistent in delivering to that standard.

With no automatic qualification place available because they are in League B, Wales are targeting top spot in their group as that would mean a more favourable play-off path later this year.

Finishing first would mean Wales face a first-round play-off against a side who finish second or third in a League B pool.

If they come second or third, however, they would take on a team who finish in fourth place in League A or a Group B winner.

The second round of the play-offs is seeded and should Wales get that far, they would be likely to face League A opposition.

Even a win at that stage may not mean the job is done, because the lowest-ranked of the eight European sides who get through the play-offs – which could be Wales – will go into inter-confederation play-offs in February 2027.

For the moment, the focus is the short term – and anything other than a win against Montenegro would be a heavy blow to Wales’ prospects.

Having won promotion after an unbeaten Nations League campaign at League C level last year, Montenegro were beaten 2-1 at home by Albania on Tuesday.

Nevertheless, Wilkinson insists there is no room for Welsh complacency against opponents who are “filled with pride”.

“Every game is 90 minutes and that’s where you get upsets and that’s where you get a team that doesn’t show up and a team that has luck or whatever it is,” she added.