The Euro 2025 lessons learned from Wales' Denmark defeat
It was not the ideal scenario for what Wales still hope will be an idyllic summer in Switzerland.Defeat in Denmark – albeit amid controversy – means Rhian Wilkinson's side were relegated from Nations League A.It also ensures a tricker path to World Cup qualification in 2027 as a result of dropping into the second tier.But with their opening Euro 2025 fixture against the Netherlands in Lucerne just five weeks away, what will be of greater importance is how Wales are shaping up ahead of their first ever major finals in women's football.So, as they prepare to face Italy on Tuesday in their final Nations League fixture - and their final game before their European Championships debut – what can Wales take from their 1-0 loss in Odense?
It should not come down to technicalities
There are no regulations that insist goal-line technology has to be used in the Nations League.That goes for the men's tournament as well as the women's.But, as Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson suggested for this level of international football, there should be.Jess Fishlock's goal that never was may have proven the difference. It may not have – and Denmark certainly had chances before and after to argue the case.But given Nations League A is meant to be the elite of women's international football in Europe – and that goal-line technology if not VAR has been used in other fixtures at this level – it was hard to argue with the viewpoints of those such as former Wales captain Kath Morgan who pondered if men's football at this stage would really be put in the same situation.Do not forget, a guaranteed play-off for the 2027 World Cup was also a reward for Wales staying in League A."I'm just fed up with the system," Morgan said. "If that means we won't stay in League A, you have to question Fifa and Uefa. There shouldn't be a debate over which games to send VAR to."For the record, Euro 2025 will have goal-line technology, VAR and semi-automated offsides all in operation. Uefa have also been asked for their thoughts.
Out of League A, but not out of their depth
A third defeat for Wales in League A, and a third by the solitary goal."It's fine margins again," said Wales captain Angharad James. "We're disappointed to be relegated but we have put on good performances. "They were slowing the game down in the corner and doing little things and that wouldn't have happened a few years ago – this is the new us now and we can built on it."Compared to their last appearance at this level – where there were five goals conceded in one game against Denmark and another against Germany – Wales have looked a different animal.They may have hung on in periods but, they have not parked the bus. In fact, it is needing to be more clinical at the other end that has ultimately cost them.They are still missing that win though – and the squad know it."We can be positive about our performance, but we also need to have a little bit of mentality that it's almost not good enough and needs to be better – because we want to get better and win games," said senior star Fishlock.
Shaky starts must stop
Fishlock made her 161st appearance for her country – just like matchwinner and former Chelsea forward Pernille Harder.Wales will be disappointed they switched off just after the restart to allow the Bayern talent to score her 78th goal for her country."Wales were not switched on enough and got punished," admitted former men's captain Danny Gabbidon.Harder also hit the bar in a determined Danish start to things where Wales could not settle and put their foot on the ball.Despite impressing defensively, Wales have conceded in the first 15 minutes of halves in all four games now.Fail to be on it and at it from the off against the likes of England, France and the Netherlands this summer, and Wales could be out of games before they know it.
Fishlock's still got it
Plenty of observers were a little worried when it was revealed key midfielder Fishlock would start, less than a week from her comeback for Seattle Reign in the US after more than a month out injured.At 38, Wales' record goalscorer and appearance maker may no longer be at the peak of her powers, but she will be needed in Switzerland.She made her first start for Wales since the Nations League opener in Italy back in February and only her second appearance on any football pitch since March – but it proved both needed and welcomed.By her own admission, there were some rusty touches, but there was also a presence and an uplift to Wales' game-management.Make no mistake, Wales will look to their icon in Switzerland – and other sides should look out for her too.
Wilkinson has options
Wales will not have the same top-flight pedigree among their players as the nations they face in Switzerland.But their depth and options are better than arguably ever before."What's really positive for me, if we go back 18 months, you're looking at the same 11, maybe one or two players coming off the bench constantly," said former striker Gwennan Harries. "But there is a lot more depth now."You're always unsure with [Rhian] Wilkinson on the team and who is going to start in these positions. She is trying to give players opportunities and to be more adaptable."She said beforehand she wants the team to be able to adjust and adapt and that they're not predictable, and I think we are seeing that."Wales can change systems to suit and are not weakened by change as much as they were a very short time ago,Alice Griffiths coming off the bench early after the unfortunate – and hopefully, minor – injury to Mayzee Davies was a case in point. Some of her passes helped Wales get a foothold in the game and will give her confidence of performing come this summer.Timely too for a player who has just been released by Southampton and effectively could be going to the Euros without a club.She says she sees it as an opportunity. With one last game to go before Switzerland, Wales will hope to be ready to seize theirs this summer.
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