Seven out, six uncapped: Wilkinson backs Wales youth for World Cup play-off
Rhian Wilkinson is backing Wales’ younger players to handle a World Cup play-off against Albania despite seven injury absences. The squad contains six uncapped players, but the coach says only two have never joined the senior group before.
Wales squad and qualifying record
- Unavailable through injury
- 7
- Uncapped players selected
- 6
- Qualifying group
- 4 wins, 2 draws
- Group goals scored
- 17
Who is missing?
Hayley Ladd, Ceri Holland, Mia Ross, Ffion Morgan, Laura Hughes, Ella Powell and goalkeeper Olivia Clark are unavailable. Newcastle United’s Casi Gregson and Tottenham Hotspur’s Heidi Hills receive their first senior call-ups.
Wilkinson said previous opportunities to train with the senior team had helped prepare the younger players. Former Wales striker Kayleigh Barton will join the camp as a coach, adding experience while regular internationals are absent.
Why Albania cannot be overlooked
Wales beat Albania 4–0 at home and 1–0 away in April. Wilkinson warned that the narrower away win had exposed difficulties and missed Albanian chances. Two wins in the group do not make this tie a formality.
The FAW’s squad announcement records four wins and two draws in the qualifying group, with 17 goals scored. Wales are seeking their first Women’s World Cup appearance, at Brazil 2027.
Dates, venue and tickets
The first leg is at the Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër on Friday 9 October. The return is at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, on Tuesday 13 October at 7:15pm. Home tickets are advertised at £10 for adults and £5 for children, with Red Wall member discounts.
The winners will face Romania or Norway in another two-leg play-off for a place at the finals.