**Wales Name Historic Euro 2025 Women’s Football Squad as Ingle Returns from Injury**
Wales have officially confirmed their squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, marking a watershed moment as the country prepares to compete in their very first major international women’s football tournament. The announcement, made from the breathtaking summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), has imbued the occasion with both symbolism and pride for the nation.
The 23-strong line-up features an impressive blend of experience and emerging talent, with four centurions headlining the squad. Angharad James, who hails from Pembrokeshire, has been named captain. She is joined by seasoned internationals Jess Fishlock, Hayley Ladd and Sophie Ingle—all of whom have surpassed the one hundred cap milestone, a notable achievement that reflects their longstanding commitment to Welsh football.
Sophie Ingle’s inclusion, in particular, is a story of resilience. The 33-year-old midfielder has been sidelined for an entire season after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Chelsea’s pre-season match with Feyenoord last September. Her return bolsters the squad’s leadership and experience at a crucial juncture—especially as Wales face daunting opposition in the group stage.
The draw is a stern one: Wales will open their tournament against the Netherlands, former Euro champions in 2017, in Lucerne on 5 July. The team will then go head-to-head with perennial giants France on 9 July in St Gallen, before rounding off the group stage with an eagerly anticipated clash against England on 13 July—also in St Gallen. England boast a recent Euro title, having lifted the trophy in 2022, while France have a strong pedigree, reaching the semi-finals in 2017.
Rhian Wilkinson, at the helm as head coach, has taken an innovative approach to both team preparation and communication. Unveiling the squad atop Hafod Eryri, 1,085 metres above sea level and overlooking Eryri National Park, she underscored the historic significance of this moment not only for the players, but also for Welsh sport as a whole. Wilkinson expressed her belief in the squad despite a recent 4-1 defeat to Italy in their final warm-up. She highlighted the valuable lessons learned, affirming, “That second-half is indicative of the Welsh team we all know. We’ll look back on this match as something important for our growth.”
Notably absent from the squad is teenage sensation Mayzee Davies, who unfortunately misses the tournament after sustaining a serious knee injury in a UEFA Nations League match against Denmark. Her presence will be missed, but the manager has insisted that the team are prepared to move forward.
Support for Wales is expected to be considerable, with the famous Red Wall—Wales’ impassioned supporters—set to be a prominent presence at each fixture. Over 2,000 Welsh fans are anticipated at every group game, ensuring the players will not be short of vocal encouragement as they embark on their Euro journey.
The full squad includes experienced campaigners and those playing their club football across Europe and the United States. Amongst the group are Olivia Clark (Leicester City), Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United), Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign), and Charlie Estcourt (DC Power), reflecting the breadth of Welsh talent competing on the international stage.
As anticipation builds, Wales stand on the precipice of making history—not just by participating in Euro 2025, but by potentially redefining expectations for women’s football in the country. In the face of formidable opponents and the weight of history, the Welsh squad carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its women’s team showcase their progress and passion on the grandest stage yet.
Observers note that not only is this a sporting milestone, but it could also inspire a new generation to pick up a ball, join clubs and believe in the possibilities that lie ahead in Welsh football—both for women and the nation as a whole.