Sophie Ingle, the seasoned midfielder with 141 caps for Wales, has been included in the national squad for the upcoming 2025 Women's European Championship. This inclusion comes despite her not having played a competitive game this season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sustained in a pre-season friendly against Feyenoord last September.

Training Triumph Ingle's determination and performance in training have convinced head coach Rhian Wilkinson of her value to the team. Her experience and leadership are seen as crucial assets as Wales prepares for their first-ever appearance in a women's major tournament.

Squad Overview The 23-player squad, announced from the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), includes notable players like Angharad James, who will captain the team, and Jess Fishlock, Wales' record cap-holder and goalscorer. The squad also features other seasoned players such as Hayley Ladd and Rachel Rowe, providing a blend of experience and youth.

Challenging Group Stage Wales is set to face formidable opponents in the group stage, including defending champions England, 2022 Euro semi-finalists France, and 2017 champions the Netherlands. The team's campaign will kick off against the Netherlands in Lucerne on July 5, followed by matches against France and England.

Preparation and Strategy After a week-long training camp in Portugal, the team will arrive in Switzerland on June 29. The squad will be based in Lipperswil and Weinfelden in the canton of Thurgau, where they will fine-tune their strategies and build team cohesion ahead of the tournament.

Injury Setbacks Despite the excitement, the team faces challenges with several key players ruled out due to ACL injuries, including Mayzee Davies, Megan Wynne, and Laura O'Sullivan-Jones. However, the team remains focused and determined to make a significant impact in their debut major tournament.

Final Thoughts With a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents, Wales is poised to make history in the 2025 Women's European Championship. Sophie Ingle's inclusion, despite her injury, symbolizes the team's resilience and commitment to excellence.