Rhian Wilkinson Calls Nations League B Return a “Huge Positive”
Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson has described the team’s return to Nations League B as a “huge positive”, despite their disappointing 5-2 home defeat to Poland in Newport.
The loss marked Wales’ seventh consecutive defeat and extended their winless run to 11 matches, their longest since the mid-1990s. The match was also the first since the retirement of legendary midfielder Jess Fishlock, leaving a clear void in leadership and experience within the squad.
Wilkinson, who took charge in February 2024, admitted that the performance against Poland was far from acceptable but emphasized that the upcoming Nations League campaign could serve as a fresh start.
“I think there’s a huge positive that we are dropping down to Nations League B,” Wilkinson said after the game.
“We have got to be ready to battle.”
Wales Suffer Setback in Poland Defeat
The friendly against Poland, held at Rodney Parade, turned into a difficult evening for Wales. The Poles, ranked 26th in the world—six places above Wales—took full advantage of a much-changed home lineup.
Wilkinson’s team looked out of rhythm and struggled defensively, allowing Poland to dictate the tempo and capitalize on transitional play.
“I don’t think that’s who we are as a team or as a country,” Wilkinson told reporters.
“We have off days, but on those off days, we cannot lose our identity like that. We got caught up in a transitional game—it’s not our brand of football.”
Despite the result, Wilkinson handed debuts to Charlton midfielder Mia Ross and Arsenal defender Teagan Scarlett, while Tianna Teisar made her first start for the national team. The coach said the experiment was part of a broader effort to assess depth and combinations ahead of 2026 competitions.
Leadership Tested as Wales Transition Without Fishlock
The retirement of Jess Fishlock, Wales’ most-capped player, has left a noticeable leadership gap. Wilkinson hinted that several senior players failed to step up against Poland when the younger players needed guidance most.
“Some of the senior players didn’t grab that game when it was needed,” she admitted.
“I am not happy with this game, but we achieved what we wanted in terms of giving people time and seeing different combinations.”
The manager stressed that these friendlies are crucial opportunities to build chemistry and test tactical flexibility, particularly as the team prepares for the next Women’s Nations League—which will also serve as part of World Cup 2027 qualification.
Focus Turns to Upcoming Friendlies and Rebuilding Confidence
Wales are expected to regroup next month for one or two friendly matches, though no fixtures have yet been confirmed by the Football Association of Wales (FAW). Wilkinson made it clear that any upcoming matches will be approached with urgency and a focus on rebuilding confidence.
“We’ve had a stretch of not winning—that’s a habit we have to get back to,” Wilkinson said.
“I don’t mind losing if we’re pushing our standards, but once we meet teams of our calibre, we’ve got to be putting those games to bed.”
The head coach remains optimistic that facing teams at Wales’ current level in League B will help the squad regain its rhythm and competitive edge.
The Road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup
The upcoming Nations League campaign, running from February to December 2026, will be pivotal for Wilkinson’s side. Success there could pave the way for a smoother 2027 World Cup qualification path and help Wales restore confidence after a turbulent year.
Despite recent setbacks, there are signs of growth within the squad—emerging talents, a renewed tactical focus, and a clear determination to learn from mistakes. Wilkinson’s challenge now lies in balancing player development with the need for results, as Wales aims to re-establish itself among Europe’s competitive women’s sides.
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