Wales midfielder Jess Fishlock, on the brink of earning her 150th cap, is resolute in her mission to guide her team to their first major tournament finals. As Wales prepares to face Croatia and Kosovo in their opening Euro qualifiers, Fishlock acknowledges that this campaign is likely to be her last representing her country.
At 37 years old, Fishlock has contemplated retirement, particularly after Wales’ heart-wrenching defeat to Switzerland in the World Cup play-off in 2022. Despite considering stepping away from the game, Fishlock found renewed determination, driven by her desire to see Wales succeed on the international stage.
Under new leadership with Rhian Wilkinson at the helm, Wales aims to bounce back from previous setbacks and channel their World Cup play-off loss into fuel for their Euro qualification campaign. With a squad fueled by the pain of near misses and a collective desire to avoid further disappointment, Fishlock believes Wales has the resilience and ability to secure qualification for the Euros.
Reflecting on their past campaigns, Fishlock emphasizes the growth and unity forged through adversity. The devastating feeling of falling short in previous qualifiers serves as a potent motivator for the team, propelling them forward with a collective determination to avoid a repeat of past heartbreak.