In her first BBC Sport column, Wales and Crystal Palace defender Josie Green provides an inside look at the Wales camp in Switzerland as they gear up for their Euro 2025 debut against the Netherlands this Saturday.

The Anticipation Builds

We are super excited now. Over the past week, we've had moments where we've realized, 'We are in Switzerland, and the tournament is just around the corner.'

When we qualified in December, six months seemed like a long time away, but the time has flown by. Now, we are truly feeling the excitement and are eager to kick off our first game in Lucerne against the Netherlands.

Preparation Through Nations League A

The Nations League A was an excellent preparation for this tournament. We faced some top-quality teams, and being in League A meant every minute was competitive.

We've reflected on what went well and what we can improve on, taking valuable lessons into this European Championship.

Learning from Setbacks

Our last game against Italy didn't go as planned, but we've learned a lot from those challenging moments. Every team has off days, and I believe that game has made us stronger and more focused as a unit.

Building Strong Foundations

Since our qualification in Dublin, we've built strong foundations as a group. Our manager, Rhian Wilkinson, has been steadily providing insights during every camp, and many of us have had significant playing time under her guidance.

The Pride of Making History

Saturday's match will be monumental for us. We will feel immense pride to be the first Welsh team in a major tournament. This pride extends not just to us but to those who paved the way for us.

However, just being here isn't enough; we aim to showcase our absolute best.

Rhian Wilkinson's Influence

Our manager, Rhian Wilkinson, has been pivotal in our journey. Her passionate and empowering speeches have left a lasting impact on us. She inspires, motivates, and makes each player feel valued.

The Team's Special Bond

What makes this group special is the bond we share. It's a family, and our thoughts are with the players who couldn't join us due to injuries, like Laura O'Sullivan and Mayzee Davies.

Having Sophie Ingle back in the squad is a significant boost. Her leadership and professionalism are invaluable.

The Support from Home

We are thrilled to see the Red Wall on Saturday, and many of us will have family coming out to support us. The welcoming atmosphere in Switzerland has made our stay enjoyable, despite the heat.

Reflecting on the Journey

Our cable car ride up Hoher Kasten in the Swiss Alps was a moment to reflect on our journey and the beauty of the country. Rhian has used mountain metaphors throughout our campaign, and scaling another height after Yr Wyddfa was a special experience.

We are all looking forward to what the future holds in this tournament.