World Cup play-offs: Ryan Wilkinson wants brave Wales after Albania tie

Wilkinson said Wales had learned from their experience at Euro 2025, when they struggled to make an impact against three of the world’s best teams – the Netherlands, France and England.

“I think we all learned a lot through the Euros – me, my staff, the players,” he said.

“Do I wish I had coached differently? Some of it, absolutely. I’m sure they (the players) look back on it and think ‘what if, if we could have…’

“But you don’t know until you go to a big event what it’s going to be like, what the pressure feels like, what the pressure feels like.

“We talked about it, we were prepared for it and it still blew us away, but there’s confidence in doing it.

“I also look at our last Nations League A campaign – two draws against Sweden, but keeping really competitive scores against some top nations.”

Wales need to improve on their away form if they are to go beyond the play-offs to Brazil.

Wilkinson’s side cruised through their home qualifiers, beating Montenegro 6–1, Albania 4–0 and the Czech Republic 3–1 to finish the group.

On the road, however, they were fortunate to salvage a draw with the Czech Republic in their first qualifier in March, then drew 1-1 in the last match in Montenegro before a 1-0 win away to Albania.

“We were a bit disappointed when we played away to Albania (in April), but this is a good opportunity to improve our performance against a challenging opponent,” Wilkinson said.

“I thought (Albania) played really well in that second leg, so they will be tough. It will be a good tactical battle between them and us and who learned the most.

“It’s clear from our campaign that our away form is not what we wanted. There’s definitely some work to be done away from home.

“It’s about showing up with the best version of ourselves.”