Will Fishlock Join Wales' Coaching Team?

Welsh football star Jess Fishlock, the most-capped player and leading goalscorer for the national team, is poised to join the coaching staff as Wales embarks on its World Cup qualifying campaign. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson hopes to integrate Fishlock into the squad for crucial matches against the Czech Republic and Montenegro in March, following her retirement from international play in October 2023.

Last updated: 02 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Wales women's football team prepares for the World Cup qualifying rounds, Jess Fishlock's potential involvement as part of the coaching staff marks a significant moment for the squad. Fishlock, who concluded her international career with an impressive record of 48 goals in 166 appearances, is eager to support the younger generation of players. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson is optimistic about Fishlock's inclusion, emphasising the importance of maintaining Welsh passion and culture within the team. The upcoming matches are crucial for Wales as they aim to navigate a complex qualifying process for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Key takeaways

• Jess Fishlock, Wales' most-capped player, is likely to join the coaching staff for World Cup qualifiers.
• Wales will face the Czech Republic and Montenegro in March 2024.
• Fishlock aims to mentor younger players as they adapt to international football.

Timeline: how we got here

Here’s a brief overview of significant events leading up to the current situation:

• October 2023: Jess Fishlock retires from international football.
• December 2022: Wales qualifies for their first major tournament after beating the Republic of Ireland in a Euro play-off.
• March 2024: Wales begins World Cup qualifying matches, starting with games against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Rhian Wilkinson has confirmed her desire for Jess Fishlock to join the coaching staff as Wales prepares for its World Cup qualifying campaign. This development follows Fishlock's retirement and her expressed interest in supporting the national team.

What was already established

Fishlock had an illustrious international career and has been a pivotal figure in Welsh women's football. The team is beginning a new four-year cycle, aiming for success in World Cup qualification while also preparing for the 2029 UEFA Women's Championship.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of the Welsh women's football team can have broader implications for community engagement and support for women's sports in the UK. A strong showing in the qualifiers could inspire increased participation at grassroots levels and greater investment in women's football.

Businesses and jobs

As the national team garners attention, local businesses may benefit from increased tourism and local support during matches. The coaching staff's composition, including figures like Fishlock, can also influence the development of coaching roles and opportunities for women in sports.

Policy and regulation

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is likely to focus on building a robust infrastructure for women's football, which may involve policy changes to support coaching and development pathways for female players. Upcoming consultations may address funding and resources dedicated to women's football.

Numbers that matter

• 48: The total number of international goals scored by Jess Fishlock for Wales.
• 166: The number of caps held by Fishlock, making her the most-capped player in Welsh women's football history.
• 3: Upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against the Czech Republic, Montenegro, and Albania.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Capped player: A player who has appeared in an official match for a national team.
• World Cup qualifying: The process by which national teams compete for a place in the FIFA World Cup.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Wales will focus on final preparations for their World Cup qualifying matches, with specific attention to team cohesion and strategy. The inclusion of Fishlock in staff discussions may enhance the team's dynamics.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The team will seek to establish a strong foundation in the qualifying campaign, with a focus on developing younger talent and building a competitive squad for upcoming matches. The performance in early qualifiers will be crucial for setting the tone for the future.

Signals to watch

• Performance in the March qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.
• Fishlock's official role within the coaching staff.
• Feedback from players on team culture and dynamics.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support local women's football initiatives to foster community engagement.
• Follow the team's progress in the World Cup qualifiers for updates on player performance and strategy.

Don’t

• Underestimate the impact of experienced players like Fishlock on young talent development.
• Ignore the growing importance of women's football in the UK sports landscape.

Checklist

• Stay updated on the team's schedule and results.
• Engage with local women's football events and initiatives.
• Follow discussions on team strategy and player development.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Jess Fishlock's potential role in coaching presents positive opportunities, the transition from player to coach can be challenging. Questions remain about how her commitments in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) with Seattle Reign will affect her availability to the Wales team. Additionally, the team's ability to navigate the complexities of World Cup qualifying amidst a competitive landscape remains to be seen.

Bottom line

The inclusion of Jess Fishlock in the coaching staff could provide vital experience and inspiration as Wales prepares for its World Cup qualifying matches. As the team builds towards a new era in international football, the emphasis on youth development and maintaining Welsh passion will be key to their success.

FAQs

What is Jess Fishlock's role in the Wales national team now?

Jess Fishlock is likely to join the coaching staff as Wales prepares for World Cup qualifying matches, aiming to mentor younger players.

When does Wales begin its World Cup qualifying campaign?

Wales kicks off its World Cup qualifying campaign with matches against the Czech Republic on 3 March 2024 and Montenegro four days later.

What challenges does Wales face in World Cup qualifying?

As Wales is in League B, they will need to navigate a playoff campaign to qualify for the World Cup, as automatic qualification is not possible.