'No excuses' as Wales aim for top spot in Euro bid

Rhian Wilkinson played in four World Cups and three Olympics for Canada

Uefa Women's Euro qualifier: Croatia v Wales

Venue: Branko Cavlovic-Cavlek, Karlovac Date: Friday, 12 July Kick-off: 19:15 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales, iPlayer, BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary.

Highlights: S4C from from 22:00 BST and later on demand.

Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson says there can be “no excuses” as her side bid to win their European Championship qualifying group and reach a first major finals.

Wales have ceded advantage to Croatia after two draws last month against Ukraine and have no margin for error as they chase top spot in Group B4.

Ideally, they want wins over Croatia and Kosovo in their final group games to guarantee top spot.

A draw with Croatia would leave Wales relying on results going their way on Tuesday when Croatia face Ukraine, and while Wales are already guaranteed a play-off berth, failing to win the group will lead to a trickier semi-final.

Wilkinson’s side will go top of the group – and win promotion to League A for the 2025-26 Nations League - if they win in Croatia, with their superior goal difference meaning they effectively only need a point at home against Kosovo at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli on Tuesday.

However, if Wales lose in Croatia, their hosts will win the group with a game to spare.

Wales’ hopes of victory in Croatia are unlikely to be helped by soaring temperatures across Europe that have led to a severe weather warning – for heat – for Friday’s crucial qualifier in Karlovac.

However, Wilkinson says conditions – and the fact most of Wales’ players are in their close-season – cannot be considered as excuses as Wales chase the three points they need.

“The Ukraine draw last time was a blow, but it’s a reminder that you are not gifted anything and we have to work for everything we get,” she told BBC Sport Wales.

“So whether it is the heat, whether we have travelled, are meeting some of the players here... as I’ve said since the beginning, there can’t be excuses in our campaign.

“We are here with a mission and we have to find a way to deliver and that is our main focus.”

Wales’ players travelled to Croatia from Cardiff without Seattle Reign trio Jess Fishlock, Angharad James and Lily Woodham, who flew separately after Reign’s 5-2 defeat to KC Current on Sunday.

“We have a reality that some players play in the US and on the west coast. They played on Sunday and with the logistics of it, with player wellbeing in mind, wanting them to come here as healthy as possible... it made sense that they didn’t travel with us.

“We are pleased to have them back with us.”

Wilkinson has named a fifth different captain in her fifth match as manager, with Liverpool midfielder Ceri Holland given the honour of leading the side.

“We have many players with leadership qualities, as I have said before,” Wilkinson added.

“Ceri is wearing the armband now. We are getting closer to me naming a permanent captain and this highlights the qualities of another player.”

Holland says she is “honoured” to be leading her country.

“It is unexpected, but it’s one of the biggest honours to lead out these girls,” she said.

“I think I have the mindset of trying to help the team as much as I can and I will try and lead by example with my work-rate."

Holland says Wales' players will be able to cope with the ferocious heat in Croatia, where temperatures have soared to 35 degrees.

“It is very hot and there is no getting away from that, but we can’t change the weather,” Holland added.

“It is the same for both teams and we will have strategies in place to help us on the day.”

Wilkinson says she will ask for water breaks during the match, while Wales’ backroom staff have plans in place to cool players down using ice towels.

TEAM NEWS

Wales are without several key players for Croatia and the visit of Kosovo on Tuesday.

Defender Josie Green misses out after picking up an injury that kept her out of the last international camp, while Esther Morgan, Hannah Cain and Elise Hughes remain long-term absentees, though Cain has returned to training with Leicester City after undergoing knee surgery for a second time.