Wales Women's Squad Gears Up for World Cup Qualifiers with Key Additions and Injuries

Wales Women's Squad Gears Up for World Cup Qualifiers with Key Additions and Injuries

Ceri Holland, Olivia Clark, and Laura Hughes have been named in the Wales squad for next month's Women's World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro and the Czech Republic, but Hayley Ladd misses out due to injury. The influential Holland returns to the squad after withdrawing from Wales' April double-header against Albania. She has been back in action with Liverpool during the closing weeks of the Women's Super League season. Leicester City goalkeeper Clark also makes her comeback, having recovered from an ankle injury sustained during international duty in February. Melbourne City midfielder Hughes receives her second call-up after switching allegiances from Australia last December. She missed the previous two camps due to injury but is now ready to contribute. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson will be without the experienced Ladd for these crucial matches in Group B1. Wales currently sits second in the group, trailing the Czechs on goal difference, with 10 points from four qualifiers. Wales faces Montenegro in Podgorica on Friday, 5 June, followed by a match against the Czech Republic at the Cardiff City Stadium four days later. Victories in both games would secure Wales a top finish and a favorable draw in the upcoming play-offs. Newly called-up Elena Cole, 19, and Scarlett Hill, 18, have impressed at the youth level, while Lois Joel also returns after injury. Carrie Jones is set to reach 50 caps if she plays in both fixtures. The group winner will be decided by head-to-head records if Wales and the Czechs finish level on points, followed by various tie-breaking criteria including goal difference and disciplinary points.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-27