Wales' Rowe returns to face Denmark and Sweden
Rachel Rowe has scored eight goals in 72 Wales appearances
- Published
Rachel Rowe has returned to the Wales squad as Rhian Wilkinson's side prepare to face Denmark and Sweden in the Nations League.
Southampton's Rowe, 32, missed the opening camp of 2025 in February through injury.
But she has been included in Wilkinson's 26-player squad as Wales host Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 4 April (19:15 BST) before facing Sweden at Gothenburg's Gamla Ullevi Stadium on Tuesday, 8 April (18:00 BST).
"It is great to have her back," Wilkinson said.
"If you've meet Rowey, there is a unique intensity about her."
Wilkinson's side opened their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 loss to Italy in Monza, but secured an impressive 1-1 draw with Sweden - who were ranked fifth in the world by Fifa - in Wrexham four days later to earn their first point of the group.
Wilkinson has named an experienced squad with only three uncapped players involved.
Veteran forward Kayleigh Barton has withdrawn from the squad through injury, with Vancouver Rise FC forward Josie Longhurst called up as her replacement.
Longhurst, 23, joins Bristol City's Tianna Teisar and Blackburn Rovers' Poppy Soper as the uncapped players in the group.
The return of Rowe will help to ensure Wales maintain good standards, according to Wilkinson.
"Rowey is a senior international who has given everything to her country," she said.
"She's had a setback from injury, but to have her back in and to bring that confidence, something the players connect with.
"With her at the helm everyone will give everything they have, or they will hear about it. You should have nothing left at the end of playing for your country and she epitomises that."
Mared Griffiths and Scarlett Hill have been left out of the squad as they will be involved in with Wales Under-19s squad for the Euro round 2 League A qualifiers.
Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle remains sidelined due to injury, but will visit the Wales camp.
Wales last faced Denmark in October 2023, losing 2-1 under Gemma Grainger.
They travel to Denmark for their final away Nations League fixture on 30 May before hosting Italy at the Swansea.com Stadium on 3 June ahead of their maiden Euro campaign, which takes place in Switzerland in July.
Wilkinson feels the level of competition remains the ideal preparation for Euro 2025 where Wales will face France, Netherlands and England.
"We know when we get these opportunities we have to make them count," Wilkinson said.
"Playing these teams we won't get many chances, we have to be clinical and make sure our possession is in the most dangerous areas.
"We need to be the best version of ourselves."
Wales squad
Olivia Clark, Laura O'Sullivan-Jones, Safia Middleton-Patel, Poppy Soper, Rhiannon Roberts, Josie Green, Charlie Estcourt, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Mayzee Davies, Lily Woodham, Ella Powell, Esther Morgan, Alice Griffiths, Angharad James, Josie Longhurst, Lois Joel, Carrie Jones, Ffion Morgan, Jess Fishlock, Rachel Rowe, Tianna Teisar, Hannah Cain, Elise Hughes.