Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Wales boss Ryan Wilkinson’s business is unfinished

Wilkinson was appointed Wales boss in February 2024 following the surprise resignation of Gemma Granger.

The former Canada international enjoyed instant success, guiding her motherland to Euro 2025, the first women’s major tournament in the country’s history.

Wales are now in contention for their debut at the Women’s World Cup, although there is plenty of work to be done in the three play-off rounds after the group stage ends next month.

After Wilkinson agreed his new contract, former Wales captain and coach Cath Morgan suggested his tenure would be “judged on merit”.

Wilkinson, however, sees things differently.

He admits that reaching at least one more major championship is “the goal”, but believes that other factors will play a part in determining whether his spell in charge will be considered a success.

“I just think we put a lot of emphasis on (qualifying) and we do as a team – internally and externally we’ve been very clear with our ambitions,” Wilkinson said.

“But what is the measure of our success and failure?

“How do we as a staffing group make sure that the legacy of our time working for this program is that we leave it in a really healthy environment where this team doesn’t make a name for itself, where we’ve got depth and different options at every position on the field?

“If we can do it well, we will qualify for the big tournament.”