Griffiths shines as Wales get a glimpse of future

For the start of a new era, there was a familiar look about Wales as they kicked off their bid to reach the 2027 Women’s World Cup in the Czech Republic.

With Jess Fishlock gone, and so too Kayleigh Barton, Rhian Wilkinson had suggested before this campaign began that Wales’ bid to land a place in Brazil would coincide with a period of transition.

Even so, Wilkinson’s starting side last Tuesday featured no fewer than eight players with at least 50 Wales caps.

Not only that, but the trio who were short of a half-century – Olivia Clark, Lily Woodham and Hannah Cain – could hardly be described as international novices.

Yet it was Wales’ “finishers” – the younger, less experienced players who came off the bench – who drew most praise from Rhian Wilkinson in the wake of the 2-2 draw in Uherske Hradiste.

Wilkinson gave some of those who came on against the Czechs a starting chance against Montenegro on Saturday and they duly played a part – albeit against considerably weaker opposition – in an emphatic victory.

‘She’s got it all’

Safia Middleton-Patel, Mia Ross, Mared Griffiths and Carrie Jones – who is still only 22 – were the four players drafted into the side in Llanelli this weekend, with Olivia Clark, Gemma Evans, Angharad James and Ffion Morgan making way.

While goalkeeper Middleton-Patel and Ross – who was deployed as one of three centre-backs – were part of a defensive unit who did not have that much work to do, Jones impressed in a central midfield role.

But it was Griffiths, the Manchester United youngster who is currently on loan at Sunderland, who took most of the plaudits.

“She’s got it all,” Wilkinson said after Montenegro were hammered 6-1 in Llanelli.

“And she’s far from the finished product, which is very exciting for all Welsh people I’d imagine.”

Griffiths, sporting the number 10 shirt which was worn so often by Fishlock, scored Wales’ third goal, which was handed to her on a plate following an error by Montenegro keeper Ajsa Kala.

But there was nothing gift-wrapped about Griffiths’ second of the afternoon, which was Wales’ only goal during a second half in which Montenegro sat deep and defended with much more conviction than they had in the first period.

Fed by Jones, Griffiths had the composure to round the onrushing Kala before stroking the ball home with her left foot.

That made it three goals in only six senior appearances for Griffiths, the Trawsfynydd-born attacking midfielder who turned 19 on the day of the Czech Republic game.

Montenegro was Griffiths’ first competitive start for Wales, yet she played with a blend of calmness and quality which offers considerable hope for the many international appearances which surely lie ahead.

“I think it’s a testament to the team that when a young player like Mared comes through our pathway, she feels comfortable to play with the freedom which you see,” Wilkinson said.

“She plays with a creativity that you don’t see that often with young players coming up to the senior team because they’re too nervous to express themselves. It’s really nice to see.”

The good news for Wales is that according to Wilkinson, Griffiths is not the only youngster ready to make a mark in the senior side.

“We’ve been excited about Mared for a while now and we have a couple of young players coming through who are real talents,” the Wales boss added.

“I think it’s a testament to our youth coaches, but also our academies in the north and the south and what they’re producing.

“Mared’s our first real product of testing our pathway. I know there are others.”

A positive beginning

Hannah Cain’s double against Montenegro takes her to eight goals in 24 Wales appearances [FAW]

Griffiths is not the only player in fine goalscoring form for Wales.

Cain’s double against Montenegro means the Leicester City forward has four goals in Wales’ past three internationals, while Sophie Ingle – a player not known for her strike-rate during her long international career – has three in four.

Such returns are welcome for a Wales side still adjusting to the loss of Fishlock, their all-time leading scorer.

There are far tougher tests ahead, of course, but Wilkinson’s players head back to their clubs after a positive spell on international duty.

Top of Group B1 after two games, Wales will aim to maintain that position after next month’s double-header against Albania before return fixtures against Montenegro and the Czechs in June.

Their target is four more wins, which would mean a more favourable path come the World Cup qualifying play-offs later this year.

Whoever Wales face, it will be interesting to see how much Wilkinson leans on the older heads who began against the Czech Republic – and how often Griffiths and company are handed further chances to shine.

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