A revival that started a year ago, when Canadian Rhian Wilkinson took over from Gemma Grainger - now in charge of Norway - as the Head Coach of Wales (or Cymru in Welsh). A two-time Olympic bronze medallist, the former defender led the team to their first-ever European Championship finals qualification, reviving a group that had experienced a very disappointing first UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign.

After being relegated to League B (just one point from six matches), the Dragons won their Euro qualifying group to advance to the playoffs, where they defeated both Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland over two legs. Wales thus only lost once in ten matches on their qualifying journey, with 38-year-old Welsh legend Jess Fishlock leading the charge. The Seattle Reign playmaker was the first to reach 100 appearances for Wales (taking into account both men’s and women’s football), and with 46 goals in 158 matches, is the most recognisable face in a squad that Wilkinson is trying to rejuvenate.

36-year-old Kayleigh Barton (21 goals) is another experienced player, but there are some youthful faces in the squad, like those of Manchester United players Scarlett Hill and Mared Griffiths (both 17 years old), who, alongside Sunderland midfielder Ellen Jones, have earned their first call-ups. A mix of experience and youth, then, with many players based in England and the United States. For the team’s two upcoming matches against Italy and Sweden, the Head Coach will have Elise Hughes and Esther Morgan at her disposal again. However, Rachel Rowe and Sophie Ingle are out injured for Wales, who are 30th in the FIFA Ranking but hoping to surprise Europe in the coming months.