**Wales Aim for More Than Participation as Wilkinson Rallies Squad Ahead of England Showdown at Euro 2025**
Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson has made it clear that her side are not in Switzerland simply to make up the numbers at their first ever European Championships. Facing the daunting task of taking on neighbours and tournament heavyweights England in St. Gallen on Sunday, Wilkinson articulated her determination that her team make their mark on Euro 2025—regardless of what the odds may say.
The Welsh squad find themselves on the brink, having endured defeat in both of their group matches so far. Despite this, Wilkinson took the opportunity to highlight just how significant their qualification is, stressing the magnitude of Wales’ achievement in reaching the finals for the first time in their history. The manager was also effusive in her gratitude, paying tribute to the vocal Welsh contingent who have travelled to support the team in Switzerland, providing a much-needed boost as they navigate uncharted territory on the European stage.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s high-profile clash, Wilkinson stressed the importance of not letting expectation stifle ambition. “It’s vital to remember how much these players have had to overcome to get this far,” she commented. “We are absolutely not here merely to participate. Every milestone—whether it’s Jess Fishlock’s historic goal or the opportunity to compete on this stage—deserves to be celebrated. The journey the squad have taken is nothing short of remarkable when you consider the many hurdles they have faced.”
Wales’ campaign began with a chastening 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands, but the team showed clear signs of growth as the tournament progressed. Against a much-fancied French side, Wales fell behind early but responded swiftly when veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock netted a 13th-minute equaliser—the team’s first ever goal at a major tournament. Ultimately, France would pull away to secure a 4-1 victory, but there was a sense that Wales left the field emboldened rather than discouraged.
Wilkinson insisted that these learning experiences are invaluable, both for the progression of the players and the growth of Welsh women’s football as a whole. “Above all, I want the players to approach every match with both freedom and courage,” she explained. “When they play with that kind of spirit, you can see the quality emerge. The passion we receive from our fans is heartening—it’s the least we can do to show up with maximum effort for them. For us, every moment out here represents something historic.”
A win against England, of course, would be especially sweet—not just as a footballing result, but for its symbolic weight. The sporting rivalry between Wales and England is steeped in history, offering an undercurrent of intensity that Wilkinson, herself Canadian by birth, says she relates to through her own familiarity with North American grudge matches. The manager revealed that she deliberately kept the squad’s focus away from England until after their encounter with France, preferring to ground her team in the immediacy of each fixture.
Nevertheless, Wilkinson acknowledges the added charge that comes with facing a neighbour on such a prestigious stage. “There’s a special energy about derby matches, no matter where in the world you’re from,” she mused. “I’m well aware of what this means to Welsh fans. For the players, it’s about recognising that significance but not letting it become overwhelming. Ultimately, it’s an opportunity—to perform in front of our families and supporters, and to show just how far we’ve come.”
As Sunday approaches, the Welsh squad are under no illusions about the challenge they face. England, perennial favourites, have their own ambitions of silverware, but Wilkinson remains defiant: if the underdogs can seize the moment, they might yet provide one of the tournament’s great narratives.
This encounter is more than just another group fixture; for Wales, it is the culmination of years of graft, resolve, and dreams realised. While progression to the quarter-finals hangs in the balance, there is little doubt that participation alone marks a milestone for the team. Now, emboldened by their past struggles and spurred on by the magnitude of the occasion, Wilkinson and her players are determined to prove they belong among Europe’s elite.
Whatever the result, Wales can take pride in how far they have travelled—both literally and metaphorically. Yet, as Whilkinson and her team prepare, the message is clear: they have not come to Switzerland just for the experience. They are here to compete, to learn, and perhaps, to shock the footballing landscape.