Welsh Squad Announcement for Euro 2025
The announcement of the Welsh squad for Euro 2025 is set to take place atop Yr Wyddfa, standing at 1,085 meters, on June 19th. This moment marks a significant milestone for a nation that has long found itself grappling with the challenges of international football qualification. Numerous World Cup and European Championship campaigns have ended in heartbreak for the Welsh side, often falling short just when it seemed success was within reach.
However, the tide turned on December 2, 2024, when they triumphed over the Republic of Ireland with a 2-1 victory in Dublin, securing their place in Euro 2025.
The Emotional Atmosphere of Qualification
The atmosphere in Welsh football that night was electric, as a collective sigh of relief echoed through the community, a moment of catharsis for both retired players and those still donning the national jersey alike. For Helen Ward, who boasts 44 goals in 105 caps, watching the game was an overwhelming experience.
“I just sat there speechless for about ten minutes, which isn’t ideal when you’re working as a commentator,”
she recounted to ESPN. Meanwhile, Sophie Ingle, currently reinforcing the midfield and recovering from an ACL injury, was swept into jubilation by her teammates soon after the whistle.
“I was initially taken aback, thinking about how we finally achieved this,”
Ingle shared.
“But soon my teammates whisked me away to celebrate. I felt somewhat guilty since I was meant to be working, but the producers encouraged me to relish this moment.”
Facing Challenges Ahead
Shortly after their historic qualification, Wales confronted the reality of their upcoming challenge, as they were placed in a formidable group alongside France, England, and the Netherlands for the upcoming tournament. Ingle’s first reaction was one of apprehension, jokingly remarking,
“Ah yikes!”
Yet, she also noted that they are approaching the event with no pressure, suggesting it could be an opportunity to enjoy the experience. Ward echoed this sentiment, stating that competing against the top teams is thrilling and a chance to make a statement.
Despite being seen as underdogs, the Welsh squad is determined to surprise their opponents just like the men’s team did during Euro 2016, where they reached the semifinals.
“Little old Wales is ready to make an impact,”
Ward asserted, reminiscent of the spirit that has characterized Welsh football.
The Journey of the Women’s National Team
The history of the women’s national team traces back to 1973 when a group of trailblazers formed it independently, eventually securing FAW management in 1993, though not without a struggle. In 2003, financial constraints led to the withdrawal of the team from Euro 2005 qualifying—a decision met with dismay from players. Even so, the girls remained undaunted in advocating for their team.
Ward, a veteran who played from 2008 to 2023, reflected on the legacy of those pioneering players, stating,
“They are our heroes, and we carry their legacy even today.”
Ingle, recently coming back after an ACL injury, acknowledged the barriers still needing to be broken down and credited past players for paving the way toward their current success. She reminisces about how, in her beginnings, the women’s game was hardly visible, which has dramatically changed in recent years.
Building on Recent Success
The growth of the team has been propelled by figures like manager Jarmo Matikainen, who introduced discipline and professionalism in 2010-2014, and Gemma Grainger, who took charge in 2021 and led the team to the playoff final for the 2023 World Cup. Ingle, who passed the captaincy in early 2024, has remained an integral part of the team through the qualification process while dealing with the challenges of injury recovery.
Wales’ recent performances, including a remarkable showing in UEFA League B, have built their confidence, allowing them to advance to qualifying playoffs where they faced Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland. As they continue to build on their progress, both Ingle and Ward emphasized the rising interest in women’s football in Wales, which reflects in their new large venue games and successful local initiatives.
Looking Forward to Euro 2025
Just weeks away from their Euro 2025 campaign, Ingle expresses optimism about her fitness and eagerness to finally compete on the international stage. As confidence grows in the squad’s capabilities, Ward is hopeful that they can inspire a new generation of players who look up to them, paralleling the buzz surrounding the men’s team in 2016. She asserts,
“While we’ve reached this peak, we’re still on our journey upwards, and there is much more to come in the future.”
The anticipation surrounding Euro 2025 is palpable, and although reaching this tournament marked an important milestone, both players understand that it’s merely a stepping stone toward greater aspirations in the world of women’s football.
