Ryan Wilkinson: Wales head coach signs two-year contract extension

Wales then suffered three group stage defeats in the tournament, a painful stretch of a 12-game winless streak last year.

But with a friendly defeat to Switzerland last December to end that run, Wales have taken 10 points from their first four World Cup qualifiers.

They finish the group stage with a trip to Montenegro on June 5 and a game against the Czech Republic – who currently occupy top spot – in Cardiff four days later.

There is no automatic qualification path available to Wales as they are in League B, but finishing first would mean a more favorable play-off path as Wilkinson’s side bid for a place at next year’s tournament in Brazil.

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said he was “thrilled” that Wilkinson had extended his spell as Wales boss.

“Following the success in recent years, we now look forward to seeing how Ryan and the team further develop their ambition to reach bigger tournaments and improve the women’s and girls’ game in Wales.”