By Gareth James
Gemma Grainger admits Wales will benefit from England’s Euro 2022 success but are very much focused on their own journey.
Wales, who have never qualified for a major women’s tournament, will secure a 2023 World Cup play-off spot by taking four points from their final two qualifiers next month.
A record crowd – over 8,500 tickets have already been sold – is already guaranteed for the final fixture with Slovenia at Cardiff City Stadium, with interest in the women’s game in Wales reaching new heights.
Jess Fishlock and Charlie Estcourt return to the squad after being rested for June’s friendly match against New Zealand, while Esther Morgan and Hannah Cain are absentees as they continue their recovery from long term injuries.
Centurions Sophie Ingle, Helen Ward and Natasha Harding are all include, while Manchester United goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel is included as third-choice goalkeeper, replacing Charlton’s Poppy Soper.
“Without doubt the Euros has massively transformed the visibility of women’s football in the UK,” said head coach Grainger.
“Look at the television figures and the crowds, it’s huge for women’s football.
🏴 The group booking deadline for Cymru’s final @FIFAWWC Qualifier against Slovenia has been extended until Wednesday 31 August.#BeFootbal | #TogetherStronger
— FA WALES (@FAWales) August 24, 2022
“But England are on their journey, and we are very much on our journey with the investment we have made as an association to the national team.
“We want to be a team that qualifies and competes in tournaments, and it’s important we do what’s right for our country.
“The legacy of the Euros has to be the visibility of the women’s game and how we capitalise on that interest.
“We have to make sure we use that opportunity to grow the game.”
Middlesbrough-born Grainger felt huge pride at England’s Euros triumph having coached so many of Sarina Wiegman’s players during her 11 years at the Football Association.
And she is excited by what the Lionesses’ success means for the development of the Women’s Super League and how Wales can tap into that future.
“The WSL and the Championship are arguably two of the best domestic leagues in the world,” Grainger said.
Penblwydd hapus @K2theroll 🎉🎂#BeFootball | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/RDyY90pDbF
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) August 23, 2022
“To have that on our doorstep is a competitive advantage, and I think the league will get better because the investment will get better off the back of the Euros.
“The biggest thing we saw from Euros was the commercialism and marketability of the game.
“The sponsors invested into the game seeing how strong it is.
“Having 87.000 people there with no segregation of fans shows the differences in the game (to the men’s game).
“The women’s game has got some unique differences, a real difference to the target audience.
“When people see their teams playing in the WSL this season we’ll see that diversity in the crowd.”
Wales: Laura O’SULLIVAN (Cardiff City Ladies), Olivia CLARK (Bristol City), Safia MIDDLETON-PATEL (Manchester United), Rhiannon ROBERTS (Liverpool), Josie GREEN (Leicester City), Hayley LADD (Manchester United), Gemma EVANS (Reading), Rachel ROWE (Reading), Lily WOODHAM (Reading), Sophie INGLE (Chelsea), Anna FILBEY (Crystal Palace), Angharad JAMES (Tottenham Hotspur), Georgia WALTERS (Sheffield United), Charlie ESTCOURT (Unattached), Jess FISHLOCK (OL Reign), Carrie JONES (Leicester City – on loan from Manchester United), Ffion MORGAN (Bristol City), Megan WYNNE (Southampton), Elise HUGHES (Crystal Palace), Kayleigh GREEN (Brighton & Hove Albion), Helen WARD (Watford), Natasha HARDING (Aston Villa), Ceri HOLLAND (Liverpool), Maria FRANCIS-JONES (Sheffield United – dual agreement with Manchester City), Chloe Williams (Blackburn Rovers – dual agreement with Manchester United), Morgan ROGERS (Watford).