History was in the air as the Wales women’s football squad departed from Cardiff Airport bound for a week‑long training camp in Portugal ahead of their first-ever appearance at a major tournament: UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. Excitement and pride filled the terminal as hundreds of fans gathered to wave off the 23‑player squad, who clinched their place in Switzerland following a dramatic playoff win over Ireland.
00:00History was in the air as well as women's football squad departed from Cardiff airport bound for a week-long training camp in Portugal ahead of their first ever appearance at a major tournament, UEFA Women's Euros 2025.
00:17Excitement and pride filled the terminal as hundreds of fans gathered to wave off the 23-player squad who clinched their place in Switzerland following a dramatic playoff win over Ireland.
00:30Wales face a daunting Group D drawn with the Netherlands, France and reigning European champions England.
00:38Their first match kicks off against the Netherlands in Lucrecerne on July 5th, followed by games against France in St Garnham on July 9th and England on July 13th.
00:48Days earlier, head coach Rhianne Wilkinson revealed her squad atop Snowdonia, utilising the symbolic climb to mirror the team's journey.
00:58Speaking at the airport, veteran midfielder Jess Fischlach, Wales' all-time highest caps and leading goal scorer, said,
01:06This is the best moment of my career. I just can't wait to get there.
01:11As the City striker Hannah Kane swept up by the reception at it.
01:15It's unreal. We just want to win as many games as possible and have the best time ever.
01:22Wilkinson's squad blends youth and experience.
01:25Seven players with under 20 caps, plus four Centurions.
01:28Jess Fischlach, captain Angard James, Sophie Ingle and Hayley Ladd.
01:33Notably, 33-year-old midfielder Sophie Ingle made the squad despite suffering an ACL injury in September and missing most of the season.
01:42Wilkinson emphasised that Ingle is a position where she can contribute.
01:47Ranked 31st in FIFA and labelled underdogs, Wilkinson has fostered a no-excuses culture and framed this tournament as our Everest,
01:56a metaphor echoed in the squad's mountaintop announcement.
02:00She acknowledges the worst part of the dream job was leaving capable players out,
02:06but believes the mix of youth grit and leadership can help Wales defy the odds in the summer.
