Women’s Euro 2025: Wales must embrace tough group

There is no doubt that the contest against England, ranked fourth in the world and the defending champions, is likely to draw attention and Harries and Morgan admit Sarina Wiegman’s side were a nation they hoped to avoid.

“Obviously, I am a little bit gutted to have England in the group but I would’ve taken being there to play them over not being there at all,” Harries said.

“I am a little disappointed to have drawn England again, just because everything that comes around with that game,” added Morgan.

“We can’t seem to avoid them! The most important thing is though that we are there.

“The journey to arrive at this point has been massive. We can’t take anything away from that, it’s taken 15 years to reach this point. We were always going to face the best 16 teams in Europe so I would’ve complained about any draw. The truth is everyone will do something, we want to go there and compete and ensure we can show people we’re on the level to compete with those nations.”

Former Wales boss Gemma Grainger, now manager of Norway and previously a part of the English Football Association, says Wales v England is a great prospect for neutrals.

“It’s going to be incredible. To see the England-Wales game, wow,” Grainger told BBC Sport Wales.

“It will be such a great game. To see Wales qualify for the first time was very special. I saw Jess Fishlock at the draw and to see someone like her being in the Euros… Life can be really good. I feel like that’s a mission complete. To see them debuting in the tournament and playing in the Euros will be amazing.”