Three standout players from Wales’ 3-0 victory over Albania
A general view during the first half. Wales v Greece in a FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifier at Parc y Scarlets on the 26th November 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Wales took another step towards their dream of qualifying for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup, beating Albania 3-0 (4-0 agg.).
Winning each of their last three outings against Albania without conceding a goal, head coach Rhian Wilkinson made two changes from the away tie victory last week, going for a more ‘attack is the best form of defence’ mindset.
And it paid off. Mayzee Davies netted a goal following a corner, calming what nerves remained from the slender first-leg lead, before Elise Hughes and Hannah Cain settled the score in the second half.
Here are three players that caught the eye in a commanding night’s work.
Angharad James
So comfortable James is in the role as captain, it is scarcely believable to remember 2024, when four players passed round the armband to find a replacement for Sophie Ingle.
Being attentive to the more inexperienced players around her was just one aspect of her leadership at Parc Y Scarlets
Her off-the-ball work was as diligent as ever, harrying and coordinating the press in the middle third and routinely being present in space for her teammates to look for.
On the ball, the Pembrokeshire-born midfielder stepped up, linking play smartly with one or two composed touches.
Creativity is not something James is relied upon to deliver, though she happily picked up the mantle in this area too, slipping in Mared Griffiths in the build-up to Elise Hughes’ goal before setting up Hughes herself for a chance minutes later.
Scarlett Hill
Making her first competitive start for her country, right-back Scarlett Hill was aggressive as a tackler and progressive in her passing.
Such a combination is rare for young players, especially with so much on the line for the Dragons, but Hill, who has been at Manchester United since she was nine, took the initiative to impress.
Her right-hand side was a busy slice of the pitch, with the Red and Blacks often betting on exploiting that half over the left. Hill was astute in her positioning, however, and leapt into challenges with precision.
The full-back also nipped in to help when Wales were caught in transition moments.
It is a bright future ahead in the national team setup for the 19-year-old.
Mayzee Davies
From a first competitive start to a first Wales goal.
It has been a tricky few years for centre-back Mayzee Davies. Making her debut under Rhian Wilkinson in 2024, Davies injured her ACL a mere month before UEFA Euro 2025.
Returning to action earlier this year, her performance against Albania made it even clearer why Wilkinson rates her so highly.
Her positioning was superb, with her work in preventing counterattacks particularly important and impressive.
In tandem, Davies displayed cool-headedness on the ball, which will be especially valued as Wales look ahead to high calibre opponents.
To top it all off, she nodded in the first of the night.
