Wales aim for clean sheet as Wilkinson eyes Albania win

Wales will travel to the 16,000‑capacity Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder on Friday, 9 October, with manager Rhian Wilkinson insisting a clean sheet is the first objective in the Women’s World Cup play‑off semi‑final first leg against Albania.

Venue and schedule

The match marks the opening leg of a two‑game tie, with the return fixture scheduled for next Tuesday in Llanelli. Wilkinson’s side previously beat Albania twice in the group stage of World Cup qualifying in April, winning 4‑0 at home before securing a 1‑0 away victory.

Injury woes and youthful squad

Wales head into the tie without nine regulars – Olivia Clark, Poppy Soper, Rhiannon Roberts, Hayley Ladd, Ella Powell, Laura Hughes, Mia Ross, Ffion Morgan and Ceri Holland – all sidelined through injury. The absences force a youthful line‑up, featuring six uncapped players and several with limited international experience.

Wilkinson highlighted the depth of the squad, noting that backup keeper Poppy Soper and out‑field players such as Soffia Kelly, Lucy Farrell‑Shrouder, Cadi Rodgers, Heidi Hills, Casi Gregson and Olivia Francis have been integrated into senior training sessions.

“I don’t think we can pretend we have unlimited players, so the fact I’m able to put together a team of 23 that has such strength and experience is a good thing,” Wilkinson said.

She added that the inexperienced players are “absolutely ready if required” and have trained with “great intensity” and “done everything they can to put themselves in the best possible position to get minutes.”

Wales also face a resilient Albanian side, ranked 68th in the world – 37 places below Wales – who “know what their strengths are,” Wilkinson warned.

“They could have scored at least once or twice in the second group game,” she observed, expecting a “tough match” where both teams will give everything for their badge.

With the Euro 2025 campaign already secured – the first women’s major tournament in the nation’s history – Wilkinson’s focus now turns to delivering a strong defensive performance to keep the World Cup hopes alive.