Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson has indicated that several senior players may retire after Euro 2025, including Jess Fishlock, Sophie Ingle, and Rhiannon Roberts. A friendly against Australia will serve as a potential farewell match.
Wales Women's National Team manager Rhian Wilkinson has suggested that several members of her squad are considering retirement from international football following their historic appearance at Euro 2025. The news comes ahead of a friendly match against Australia at the Cardiff City Stadium on October 25th, a game Wilkinson views as a potential farewell opportunity for some experienced players.
The speculation centers around several key figures in the Welsh team. Jess Fishlock, the nation’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, recently indicated she was evaluating her international future after the Euros. The 38-year-old midfielder has just signed a new one-year deal with Seattle Reign in the National Women's Soccer League, but her commitment to continuing with Wales remains uncertain.
Alongside Fishlock, former captain Sophie Ingle and defender Rhiannon Roberts are also reportedly contemplating retirement. Both players were integral to Wales’ European Championship campaign. Kayleigh Barton, who recently announced her retirement last month, adds to the potential wave of departures. Wilkinson acknowledged the possibility of further players bidding farewell to international duty during the upcoming match against Australia.
“I think it’s an important game for those players that are going to retire, to play at home one more time,” Wilkinson stated. “I think for our fans, we never played a send-off game [before Euro 2025], it didn't work with our Nations League A games. So [it is] an opportunity to play one of the top teams in the world again at home, but also to thank a few of our players for how much they've given to their country.”
The potential retirements would mark a significant transition period for the Welsh team, which has recently achieved unprecedented success by qualifying for a major championship. Wilkinson recognizes the need to balance experience with the integration of younger players to ensure continued progress.
Wilkinson emphasized the importance of providing a fitting send-off for those players who have dedicated years of service to the national team. The match against Australia offers a chance to honor their contributions in front of a home crowd.
Goalkeeper Laura O'Sullivan-Jones, who unfortunately missed the Euro 2025 tournament due to injury, is also among the senior players whose future with the national team is uncertain. At 34, she faces a decision about whether to continue her international career.
The manager is optimistic about the future of Welsh women’s football, highlighting the emergence of promising young talents within the squad. She believes that a blend of experience and youth will be crucial for sustaining the team’s momentum and achieving further success.
“Absolutely this will be a transitional period and that’s something exciting,” Wilkinson added. “We’ve blooded a lot of our young players, we do that a lot. We’ll always rely on our experience but we need to have new blood, new youth coming through and it looks pretty exciting.”
The upcoming friendly against Australia is not only a chance to test the team’s preparations for future challenges but also a poignant occasion to celebrate the careers of those players who have played a pivotal role in Wales’ recent achievements. The match promises to be an emotional affair as fans and teammates alike pay tribute to the departing stars.
The investment in a post-Euro 2025 pathway is also crucial, with Wales needing to address the gap in development to ensure continued success. Wilkinson’s vision for the future involves nurturing young talent and building a sustainable foundation for Welsh women’s football.
The potential departures of these experienced players will undoubtedly leave a void in the Welsh squad, but Wilkinson is confident that the next generation of stars is ready to step up and carry the torch. The friendly against Australia will serve as a fitting tribute to the past while offering a glimpse into the exciting future of Welsh women’s football.
The game against Australia is scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, at the Cardiff City Stadium. Fans are encouraged to attend and show their appreciation for the players who have represented Wales with pride and passion.