Jess Fishlock Urges Wales to Overcome Euro 2025 Defeat Ahead of France Clash

In the wake of their 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their Euro 2025 opener, Wales' most-capped player, Jess Fishlock, expressed unwavering belief in her team's ability to surprise France in their upcoming match. The game is scheduled for Wednesday in St. Gallen, following Wales' challenging start in Group D of the tournament, where they face formidable opponents including France and reigning champions England.

Fishlock, who has accumulated 163 caps and scored 47 goals for her country, emphasized the necessity for her teammates to put the loss "in the bin" to refocus on their next challenge. "I know us as a group, we will refocus, we will learn really fast and we’re really excited to get back on the field," Fishlock stated during an interview with BBC Sport Wales. This sentiment reflects the team's determination to improve after their initial setback.

The opening match in Lucerne left Wales as heavy underdogs, especially as they prepare to take on France, who recently triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory. Fishlock believes that despite the daunting challenge ahead, Wales has the potential to bounce back. "Do I think we can surprise people? Absolutely. This team is still on a journey," she asserted, highlighting the developmental phase the squad is undergoing as they compete on the international stage for the first time.

Fishlock underscored the importance of learning from their previous match while remaining optimistic about their prospects. "The biggest message is not to dwell too much on the game and the loss. We really need to take what we need and move forward," she explained, advocating a mentality that encourages resilience and swift adaptation.

In preparation for the match against France, Fishlock noted the need for strategic adjustments. "France are a great team. They’ll cause us different problems to Holland. They’re very powerful, very comfortable on the ball, love wide areas," she commented, acknowledging the unique challenges that France presents. Nevertheless, she expressed confidence in Wales' capability to nullify their threats and capitalize on scoring opportunities with their talented roster.

Adding to Wales' optimism is the news that midfielder Ceri Holland, who experienced cramping during the Netherlands match, is fit to start against France. Holland confirmed her readiness, stating, "I’m ready to go," which is a crucial boost for the team as they seek to recover from their opening match defeat.

As Wales prepares for this critical encounter, the focus remains on transforming their initial disappointment into a learning experience that could lead to a surprising outcome against one of the tournament favorites. The team's collective resolve, coupled with Fishlock's leadership, sets a hopeful tone as they aim to make a mark in Euro 2025.