Yahoo Sports Wales happy to be written off after Euro 2025 draw
Wales say they are happy to be written off after being drawn in a daunting group at Euro 2025.
Wales, who have qualified for a women's major tournament for the first time, will face holders England in Switzerland as well as 2022 Euro semi-finalists France and 2017 champions the Netherlands.
Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson got the challenging draw she was hoping for, saying: "There's no easy group, but there is a harder one - and I think we're in it, which is just exciting for us."
And Jess Fishlock, Wales' all-time leading goalscorer and record-cap holder, says the debutants are ready to spring a surprise next summer.
Speaking at the draw in Lausanne, Switzerland, Fishlock said: "You don't get to a major tournament and the top 16 teams in Europe without being a good side.
"I'm sure people will write us off in that group, which is fine. I wish them the best with that.
"I know who we are, the people that we are, the group that we are, the players that we are and what we stand for - and I know we're going to go into this tournament and into that group and show everybody what team we are."
Wales assistant coach Jon Grey attended the draw in the absence of Wilkinson, who was missing due to a long-standing commitment which could not be arranged.
"Let them write us off at their peril," Grey said.
"We'll go about our business, hopefully we'll do well and go well in the group."
Wales, the lowest ranked side in the draw, will kick off their campaign against the Netherlands in Lucerne, before taking on France – a side they pushed hard twice in defeats during qualification for the 2023 World Cup - in St Gallen.
But many of the headlines will surround drawing England, who Wales have never beaten.
The neighbours last met during qualification for the 2019 World Cup, when Jayne Ludlow's side held the Lionesses in Southampton before suffering heartbreak in a 3-0 defeat at Rodney Parade.
Wilkinson, though, said she is not concerned with the hype surrounding the game, which will be Wales' last in the group
"I think that will be outside noise," she said. "A derby is for one-off games, not tournament games.
"Obviously it will be big for the fanbase and we can't pretend it isn't, but all three of our opponents are top, top level opposition that are going to challenge us to our maximum.
"It's not a game that will be more special than others, it's just another top opposition that we will have to be at our best for."
Wilkinson said she "loved" seeing Wales' name pulled out among Europe's elite after they made history by reaching the tournament.
And Fishlock was equally enthused as she offered an early rallying cry.
"In truth I didn't care where we came out, I just wanted to see our name up there where it belongs," she told BBC Sport Wales.
"We're going to come to a tournament like this and we will play great teams no matter what. It will be fun, it will be tough, but it will be a group where we can go out and ensure we are ready to compete.
"They're all good teams - but so are we. We shouldn't put our heads down about it, it's actually the opposite - now we grow bigger and go 'OK, this is where we're at now…so let's go do it.'"
Rhian Wilkinson's verdict on Wales' Euro 2025 opponents
Netherlands
"They are a side that frequently has little dips but picks it right up for big tournaments. They are former winners who know how to win and grind out results, and have a really deep and talented squad."
France
"Since I was a player they are the most surprising team in that they have almost always got a winning team, but they frequently fall short.
"It's only a matter of time before they fall into their stride because they do have some incredible talent at their disposal. It really is incredible that they haven't won yet, they are a very dangerous team."
England
"They're the last winners, another team that with the excitement and growth of the WSL have had a lot of attention, a lot of talent and a big player pool, so I expect a top England team to be at the tournament."
