Sophie Ingle’s inclusion in Wales’ Euro 2025 squad has raised eyebrows across the footballing world—not because of her reputation, but due to her incredible comeback from a serious ACL injury that has sidelined her all season. As Wales prepares to enter its first-ever women’s major tournament, Ingle’s return is both symbolic and strategic, representing a squad blending resilience, experience, and quiet ambition ahead of a daunting Group D.
Ingle’s return defies expectations
For most players, suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament would be career-defining—especially at age 33, with no minutes played in the season. But Sophie Ingle isn’t most players. The veteran midfielder, who boasts 141 caps for Wales, has earned a place in the 23-player squad for the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship, despite missing the entire campaign after sustaining the injury last September in a pre-season friendly with Chelsea. While the decision sparked curiosity, head coach Rhian Wilkinson has no doubts. “We needed to make sure that Sophie Ingle was in a good place,” she said. “She’s still on her path to full fitness but she’s in a position now where she can contribute.”
Wilkinson remained vague about the exact role Ingle might play, but praised her training performances. “She’s pushing, she’s looking really good,” she added. That effort, even in the face of physical adversity and her recent release from Chelsea, has proved enough to make the cut. It’s a powerful signal of trust from the manager and a testament to Ingle’s enduring influence on and off the pitch.
Veterans leading the charge
Ingle joins a core of experienced campaigners, many of whom have weathered years of disappointment with Wales before finally reaching the milestone of major tournament qualification. Midfielder Angharad James will wear the armband, flanked by national icons such as Jess Fishlock—Wales’ most-capped and top-scoring player—Hayley Ladd, Rachel Rowe, and the 37-year-old Kayleigh Barton. “Jess is going to be the face, the name of Wales—she knows that,” said Wilkinson. “But equally there is a group of senior players who have come through the whole thing. They have seen it all, been through it all, and fought the fights.”
Barton’s inclusion is particularly notable. Having recently retired from Charlton Athletic to begin a coaching career at Saltdean United Women, she now finds herself called back into action for one last campaign. The coach lauds the players’ leadership, believing their presence is crucial in balancing a squad that includes exciting new talent.
New blood and balanced ambition
Wilkinson’s squad announcement—made fittingly atop Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)—symbolised a team rising to new heights. In addition to seasoned pros, the list includes fresh faces and players who’ve made their mark abroad. Defender Lily Woodham and midfield engine Alice Griffiths both come from the United States, while forward Carrie Jones brings Scandinavian sharpness from her stint in Sweden with IFK Norrköping. “It’s a really great mix in this squad, which is exciting for me,” Wilkinson said. “The older players have been really, really good with our young players. If our young ones didn’t feel equally a part of this journey, we wouldn’t qualify.”
The selection shows a deliberate attempt to build cohesion across generations and leagues. From Bristol City speedster Ffion Morgan to Newcastle United defender Lois Joel, every call-up is designed to serve both the moment and the long-term identity of a Welsh side finally stepping onto the elite stage.
A daunting group, but no fear
Wales’ Euro 2025 campaign begins on 5 July in Lucerne, against three-time finalists and 2017 champions the Netherlands. They then face Euro 2022 semi-finalists France in St Gallen on 9 July, before a blockbuster British derby against reigning champions England on 13 July. Drawn into what many have called the “Group of Death,” expectations outside of Wales are modest—but Wilkinson isn’t interested in external opinions. “Outside Wales people can think whatever they want,” she said defiantly. “Our goal is to show up and deliver to the best of our ability.”
Recent Nations League performances suggest that Wales, when playing to their standards, can challenge the best. However, the squad will have to dig deep, especially in the absence of key players like 18-year-old Mayzee Davies, Megan Wynne, and goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan-Jones—each sidelined by ACL injuries. Still, O’Sullivan-Jones will travel with the squad to support preparations, exemplifying the unity that Wilkinson has cultivated.
More than just a debut
For Wales, Euro 2025 isn’t just a tournament—it’s the culmination of decades of incremental progress, heartbreaks, and quiet determination. The moment is as emotional as it is historic. After a week-long training camp in Portugal, the team will arrive in Switzerland on 29 June, based in Lipperswil and Weinfelden, as they prepare to walk into the unknown. “This is one of those things as a coach you are really proud of—to help deliver that,” said Wilkinson. “To get the team over the line at what may be the end of some careers… it’s incredibly special.”
Whether they progress or not, the campaign is already a statement of growth. And for Sophie Ingle, it’s a remarkable chapter in an already storied career—one that might not end with a fairytale, but certainly begins with one.
Wales’ Euro 2025 fixtures – Group D
- 5 July: Wales vs Netherlands (Lucerne, 17:00 BST)
- 9 July: France vs Wales (St Gallen, 20:00 BST)
- 13 July: England vs Wales (St Gallen, 20:00 BST)
Top two teams advance to the quarter-finals.
Squad highlights:
Veterans: Jess Fishlock, Sophie Ingle, Hayley Ladd, Angharad James, Rachel Rowe
Young talents: Carrie Jones, Alice Griffiths, Lois Joel, Ffion Morgan
Notable absences: Mayzee Davies, Megan Wynne, Laura O’Sullivan-Jones (all ACL injuries)
