Wales seek statement win in fairytale city

If tension is building in the Wales squad in the build up to Euro 2025, it’s not showing.

It is little more than a month before the lowest-ranked side at Switzerland this summer appear at a major finals for the first time.

Already written off by many, they are yet to record a win in League A of the Nations League and need to avoid defeat against Denmark on Friday if they are to avoid dropping out of the top-tier.

In fact, with fixtures against former winners, current holders, and traditional women’s football powerhouses all in store this summer, it’s worth remembering that Wales have never managed competitive win against a side in the top 20 of Fifa’s rankings.

And yet the mood of the Welsh camp is one that is more determined than daunted, given the strides they have made.

“This team is ready to win, let me tell you,” said head coach Rhian Wilkinson with two games left before they kick-off their Euros tournament; Italy in Swansea on Tuesday following this Danish test against a side ranked 12th in the world.

“This is what these next two games are about; how do we show up and get a result? There’s no reason to hide from that, I’m excited by it.”