Wales’ preparations for crunch EURO 2022 qualifier to be disrupted

The Welsh national women’s team’s preparations for EURO 2022 have been disrupted.

Wales are due to host Belarus in a crunch qualifying match next month at Rodney Parade next month. 

However their after the UK Government implemented a four-week lockdown in England, only elite football has been permitted over the next month.

This leaves a number of players without any competitive football or training until Wales’ next fixture.

Laura O’Sullivan, Helen Ward and Nadia Lawrence, all played in Wales’ victory over the Faroe Islands, are not classed as elite players.

Lawrence and O’Sullivans teammate Maria Francis-Jones and Poppy Soper of Plymouth Argyle, are also affected, having been called up to the Welsh squad last time out.

In a statement by the English FA, it said: “Our number one priority remains the safety and welfare of everyone involved in our game. A special thanks to all women’s football fans for their ongoing support during these challenging times.

“Whilst the Barclays FA WSL and FA Women’s Championship will continue, ‘non-elite’ football, which includes Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid, the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, the Barclays FA WSL Academy League, FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs, indoor and outdoor grassroots fixtures and all training, is to be paused during this period, as a result of the new UK government restrictions.”

Jayne Ludlow’s squad is made up mainly of FA Women’s Super League and Championship players, but she may now need to alter her squad selection.

After the easing of the lockdown in Wales, The Welsh Premier Women’s League was granted permission to return.

Cardiff City Ladies can play friendlies against Welsh top flight sides whilst the FA Women’s National League is paused.

(Featured Image: Colin Ewart/Geraint Nicholas)