เวลส์กลับสู่ Nations League B: โอกาสใหม่ที่ช่วยเสริมศักยภาพทีม พร้อมสร้างพลังบวกที่สำคัญในการแข่งขันระดับนานาชาติ SEO-optimized: "Nations League B เวลส์"
Rhian Wilkinson, the head coach of the Wales women's national football team, believes that a return to Nations League B is a significant positive for the team. The decision comes as Wales seeks to end their 11-game winless streak, despite suffering a 5-2 defeat to Poland in a friendly match held in Newport. This loss, occurring in Wales' first match without retired veteran player Jess Fishlock, marked the team's seventh consecutive defeat, the longest losing streak since the mid-1990s.
Wales last tasted victory in the Euro 2025 play-off against the Republic of Ireland back in December 2024. As they look forward to upcoming friendly matches, which are yet to be finalized, Wilkinson is already focusing on the next Nations League campaign scheduled from February to December 2026. This campaign represents an opportunity for redemption after Wales' recent relegation from the top tier.
Despite the disappointing result against Poland—a team that also debuted at Euro 2025 and ranks 26th globally, six places above Wales—Wilkinson views the move to League B as a critical step in regaining their competitive edge. She expressed frustration with her team's performance, acknowledging that an experimental line-up exposed gaps against a stronger Polish side.
Wilkinson, emphasizing the need to maintain their identity on difficult days, noted that the team's style of play was not evident during the match. The friendly saw debuts for young talents like Charlton midfielder Mia Ross and Arsenal defender Teagan Scarlett, while Tianna Teisar made her first start. This approach allowed Wilkinson to assess different combinations, although some senior players were critiqued for not supporting the younger squad effectively.
As Wales navigates its winless streak, Wilkinson is keen to utilize future friendly windows to test the squad further. With the 2027 Women's World Cup qualification draw approaching, enhanced performance in these preparatory stages is crucial. The Nations League will also double up as part of the World Cup qualifying process, making it imperative for Wales to regain their winning habit and boost morale.
Wilkinson stresses the importance of pushing standards irrespective of outcomes, noting the necessity of securing victories against teams of comparable calibre. As the team builds towards future competitions, regaining confidence and maintaining high performance levels are top priorities.