‘Naivety of youth’ could sweep Wales to Euros – Wilkinson

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson says the “naivety of youth” could be key to Wales getting through the play-off ties to qualify for their first major tournament.

Wales will take on Slovakia in the first round of play-offs for the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland.

Wilkinson’s side could then face the Republic of Ireland, who take on Georgia, in the second round if both progress.

“I think we’re all really excited that we know our route, and there’s four more games to make history,” Wilkinson said.

Wales won their qualification group and were seeded for Friday’s draw in Nyon after winning four and drawing two of their games so far.

They will be away to Slovakia on Friday, 25 October before hosting them in the second leg at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, 29 October.

If Wales get through that, they will face Republic of Ireland or Georgia for a place at Euro 2025 on Friday, 29 November, followed by an away second leg on Tuesday, 3 December.

Wales could have got a much trickier second-round draw, such as Sweden – ranked sixth in the world – or the likes of Norway, Belgium, Iceland and Austria who are all in the top 20.

Ireland are 25th and Wales beat them in a friendly this year, but Wilkinson dismissed the idea her team got one of the best second-round draws.

“I don’t think so,” she said. “I don’t think it’s an easy tie at all.

“We’ve seen them have some very close games, and then obviously they’ve just had a pretty historic win against France.

“But it is one that’s more manageable than others we might have had.

“First of all, of course, we have a challenge against Slovakia home and away to take care of.

“We don’t know that much about them – we haven’t played them for a long time, but they had close games against Scotland, a team that we do know well.

“So that’s a clear message to our players that no game is ever gifted and this will be one we’re going to have to earn both away and at home.”