Wales: Nations League B return a ‘huge positive’ – Rhian Wilkinson

Wilkinson was frustrated after her team’s performance against Poland, who like Wales made their major tournament debut at Euro 2025.

The Poles are ranked 26th in the world, six places higher than Wales, but ruthlessly exposed an experimental home line-up at Rodney Parade.

“I don’t think that’s who we are as a team and as a country,” Wilkinson said.

“We have off days, every team has off days. But on those off days, we cannot lose our identity like that.

“We got caught up in a transitional game [and] we’re better than that. It’s not even fun to watch, it’s not our brand of football.

“These women give everything for Wales, but I am not proud of that performance.”

Wilkinson gave debuts to Charlton midfielder Mia Ross and Arsenal defender Teagan Scarlett, while Tianna Teisar made her first Wales start.

A number of other players were given an opportunity to impress as Wales made nine changes to the side which started last Saturday’s friendly defeat to Australia.

Wilkinson suggested some of the senior players involved against Poland had failed to “grab that game” when the youngsters were in need of help.

“I am not happy with this game, but equally what we wanted in terms of giving people time and seeing different combinations – we can now say we have given opportunities,” she added.