Wales’ focus still on Nations League – Fishlock

Wales will end their wait for major finals football when they take on the Netherlands in Lucerne on 5 July, with France and holders England the other teams in the group.

But the Nations League carries its own importance. Staying in League A would guarantee Wales a play-off place for the World Cup in Brazil, with midfielder Alice Griffiths admitting: “As a younger player it would be special to do back-to-back qualifications.

“People may think that’s way off but we can do it and staying in League A makes the path easier for the Brazil World Cup.”

As well as the two draws with Sweden, Wales’ defeats against Denmark and Italy have been by the odd goal and tight contests throughout.

And Griffiths, 24, added: “We’re fighting with everything we’ve got to stay here because we know how important it is for future qualification. The mentality has been the same throughout the campaign and that’s to compete with these top nations, but also to beat them.

“We’re bottom which is not where we want to be, we know we need results to stay here and that’s the aim.”