The manager of the Welsh women’s football team, Rhian Wilkinson, has stated that she fully expects her side to step up when they face Ireland in their Euro 2025 play-off final.
The two teams will meet on November 29 in Cardiff and in Dublin on December 3. The winner will earn a place at the European Championships in Switzerland next summer.
Yesterday, the 2025 UEFA Nations League draw took place, and Canadian-born Wales manager Wilkinson admitted that she was looking forward to taking on Eileen Gleeson’s side this month and next.
“I’m so looking forward to it,” she told the42.ie. “I got nervous in this draw, but I’m looking forward to Ireland in every way. Just pure excitement.”
Wilkinson also expects her team to do everything they can to reach Switzerland next year.
“Our Welsh women are on a mission. They’re out there playing for more than just themselves, and when you can play with that freedom and show up for that Welsh badge, giving everything you have, there’s nothing more you can ask for. I know they’re going to do that, so as their coaches, we’re going to do everything we can to give them every tool they need to deliver,” she added.
Wilkinson is confident her team will deliver and also expects the “Red Wall” of Welsh fans to give the team a real boost when they clash with Ireland in Cardiff.
“On the night, I have no doubt Wales is going to show up. And for the fans, these are privileged moments—games like this, where both teams are giving everything; they’re few and far between. That Red Wall will be a difference-maker, and I look forward to seeing even more ticket sales.
“I know they’ll show up, and they’ll definitely play a part in giving my women a really important boost on the night.”