Wales women vs Czech Republic: Wilkinson on Jess Fishlock’s retirement, Euro 2025 momentum and the latest squad

Wales women face the Czech Republic in Uherske Hradiste in a match that matters for more than the scoreline. The fixture is Wales’ first competitive game since Euro 2025, the first women’s major tournament the team has qualified for. That context shapes the immediate focus for Wales, because competitive fixtures after a landmark tournament are where a squad either consolidates progress or slips back into familiar patterns.

This match also arrives during a period of change for Wales, because Jess Fishlock has stepped down from Wales duty. Fishlock is described as “the greatest female player in the history of the Welsh game”, and her absence affects both performance and leadership. Wales’ ambition to build on their European Championship appearance by reaching a first World Cup has not been helped by losing a player of that stature.

What did Wilkinson say about experience and leadership around younger players?

Wales head coach Wilkinson framed the value of senior players in terms of what they contribute to the day to day environment, particularly for younger footballers moving into the squad. Wilkinson said: “These are women who have given everything for their country and as our young players come through now, I think having the support of those players around the environment is huge,” (Wilkinson). The statement sets out a clear practical role for experienced internationals, because their presence can support standards, routines, and decision making for players who are still adapting to international football.

Wilkinson also spoke about the importance of visibility and informed decision making for players considering their own long term futures. Wilkinson said: “Equally, Jess needs to see a little bit behind the curtain so she can make her decisions about what she might want to do in the future, if she ever retires.” (Wilkinson). This comment connects Fishlock’s situation to a wider reality in elite sport, where players often balance national team commitments, club responsibilities, and personal longevity.

Why is this Wales vs Czech Republic match significant?

The Czech Republic game in Uherske Hradiste is significant because it is the first competitive fixture since Euro 2025. Euro 2025 is described as the first women’s major tournament Wales have qualified for. A first competitive match after such a milestone tends to be a test of how a team handles raised expectations, squad turnover, and the shift from tournament football back to the qualification cycle.

Wales are also trying to translate European Championship progress into a first World Cup qualification. That objective becomes harder when a team loses a central figure, particularly when that figure has been a defining player for the national side.

What is Wilkinson’s position on Jess Fishlock stepping down from Wales duty?

Wilkinson said she has to accept Fishlock’s decision to stand down from Wales duty, even though she believes Fishlock could still contribute on the pitch. Wilkinson said: “Jess is one of those players that could play for many more years and she knew that when she retired,” (Wilkinson). The point here is that the retirement was not presented as forced by an immediate drop in ability.

Wilkinson also described the personal difficulty of the decision from a coaching perspective, while acknowledging the player’s reasoning. Wilkinson said: “It’s painful to know that she could probably still step on the pitch, but equally I think it was a great decision that she’s made when she’s healthy, strong and still fully capable to be like ‘OK, I want to focus on my club football at this point’.” (Wilkinson). This explains the trade off in clear terms, because Fishlock is described as leaving while still capable, and doing so to prioritise club football.

Wilkinson also described how Fishlock approaches commitment and planning. Wilkinson said: “We had really good conversations and Jess is an all-in type person so she wouldn’t say ‘oh I’m good to go for another year’.” (Wilkinson). Wilkinson added: “In her mind if she’s good to go, she’s saying yes to a cycle, whether that’s two or four years, and I don’t think she felt like she had the energy to do that.” (Wilkinson). This frames the decision as linked to the scale of commitment required for an international cycle, rather than a short extension.

Wales squad named in the source material

The following players are listed in the source material as part of the Wales squad:

Olivia Clark (Leicester City)
Safia Middleton-Patel (Manchester United)
Poppy Soper (Rugby Borough)
Ceri Holland (Liverpool)
Gwen Zimmerman (Eclipse Select)
Ella Powell (Bristol City)
Rhiannon Roberts (Sunderland)
Hayley Ladd (Everton)
Gemma Evans (Liverpool)
Charlie Estcourt (Portsmouth)
Lily Woodham (Liverpool)
Esther Morgan (Bristol City)
Sophie Ingle (Bristol City)
Mia Ross (Charlton Athletic)
Angharad James (Seattle Reign)
Lois Joel (Newcastle United)
Carrie Jones (IFK Norrkoping)
Tianna Teisar (Plymouth Argyle, on loan from Bristol City)
Mared Griffiths (Sunderland, on loan from Manchester United)
Olivia Francis (Plymouth Argyle)
Phoebie Poole (Plymouth Argyle)
Hannah Cain (Leicester City)
Rachel Rowe (Nottingham Forest)
Ffion Morgan (West Ham United)
Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace)
Mary McAteer (Charlton Athletic)

What changes next for Wales after Euro 2025?

Wales’ next phase involves turning a first major tournament qualification into sustained competitive progress. The immediate challenge is managing transition, because the loss of Jess Fishlock reduces experience and on pitch leadership. The practical response is to develop younger players within a stable environment, while relying on the remaining senior players to maintain standards and support.

For Wales, the Czech Republic match in Uherske Hradiste is an early checkpoint. It is a competitive fixture, it follows a historic tournament qualification, and it takes place amid a notable change in squad availability.

Takeaway framework: how to read Wales’ next cycle

A simple way to assess Wales in the next run of competitive fixtures is to track three factors:

Transition management: how effectively Wales replace minutes, leadership, and influence after Fishlock stepping down.
Post tournament consistency: whether performance levels in competitive games match the momentum created by Euro 2025 qualification.
Squad environment: whether senior players provide the support and standards Wilkinson described as “huge” for younger players (Wilkinson).

FAQ

Where is Wales vs Czech Republic being played?

The match will be played in Uherske Hradiste.

Why is this Wales vs Czech Republic match notable?

It is Wales’ first competitive fixture since Euro 2025, which was the first women’s major tournament Wales qualified for.

What did Wilkinson say about the value of experienced players?

Wilkinson said: “These are women who have given everything for their country and as our young players come through now, I think having the support of those players around the environment is huge,” (Wilkinson).

What did Wilkinson say about Jess Fishlock’s decision to step down from Wales duty?

Wilkinson said she has to accept the decision and added: “It’s painful to know that she could probably still step on the pitch, but equally I think it was a great decision that she’s made when she’s healthy, strong and still fully capable to be like ‘OK, I want to focus on my club football at this point’.” (Wilkinson).

What did Wilkinson say about Fishlock’s approach to commitment?

Wilkinson said: “We had really good conversations and Jess is an all-in type person so she wouldn’t say ‘oh I’m good to go for another year’.” (Wilkinson). Wilkinson added: “In her mind if she’s good to go, she’s saying yes to a cycle, whether that’s two or four years, and I don’t think she felt like she had the energy to do that.” (Wilkinson).