Progress and history – Rhian Wilkinson’s first year as Wales boss

Wilkinson has taken charge of 12 matches as Wales boss to date – with each of those being competitive fixtures.

She has overseen wins in exactly half of those (six), while there have been four draws and two defeats. It has resulted in an impressive win rate of 50%.

They are also unbeaten in six home matches, winning three and drawing three.

European Championship qualifying certainly was not the ideal time to throw in fresh faces, although the current Nations League campaign represents a far better opportunity for Wilkinson to give untried youngsters – as seen of late with Mayzee Davies and Mared Griffiths – their chance to impress.

There were also competitive bows for Lois Joel and Safia Middleton-Patel in 2024, but the influence of experienced heads cannot be understated.

Wilkinson used a total of 24 players across her opening 12 games, but only five of those have featured in every single one of those matches.

Jess Fishlock, Angharad James, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans and Lily Woodham – who now have a combined total of 497 caps at an average of almost 100 caps each – have been ever-present under the Canadian coach. Wise heads will always prove invaluable.

Liverpool’s Evans and Everton’s Ladd hold the proud record of being the only players to play every single minute throughout Wilkinson’s tenure.

“Over the last year we’ve grown so much. It’s been a whole squad effort,” captain Angharad James said this week.

The Seattle Reign midfielder added that “players have grown and partnerships have come to life” when discussing the balance between youth and experience.

Wilkinson fully grasps the requirement to develop her squad while also being competitive in matches.

“At no point have I said that these [Nations League] games and results don’t matter, they do matter,” Wilkinson said before her side held Sweden, ranked five in the world, to a 1-1 draw.

“We’re out to win every game we play,” she added. “Equally, I will not be a coach that sacrifices the team’s development just because I’ll do anything for the win.”

But it’s clear to see that Wilkinson is hugely impressed with the make up of her entire squad at present.

“What I can take from it is that we have a roster of players that will do anything and everything for their country,” added Wilkinson.

As for goals, Wales have netted 25 times across their 12 games under Wilkinson.

Fishlock leads the way with six, Kayleigh Barton has five, Rachel Rowe is third with three while Ffion Morgan and Elise Hughes have two apiece.

Lily Woodham, Angharad James, Ceri Holland, Carrie Jones, Mary McAteer, Sophie Ingle and Hannah Cain all have one each.