Wales made it two wins from two to start their European qualifying campaign, as they defeated Kosovo 6-0.
Two goals each for Rachel Rowe and Elise Hughes, coupled with one goal apiece for Kayleigh Barton and Ffion Morgan ensured yet another big win for Wales, who stay top of their group.
Here’s how we rate all the Wales players who appeared in the game against the Kosovans.
Wales Player Ratings
Olivia Clark – 5
Can’t ever remembering her making a save in this game, having not made one against Croatia either. Two clean sheets on the trot, however, will fill her and the defence with enormous pride, and it gives them a platform.
Charlie Estcourt – 5
Wasn’t as involved as fellow wing-back Lily Woodham and couldn’t quite get forward as much as she maybe wanted to. It’s good to see players like Estcourt get selected into the eleven, and she had a great outing against Germany. Just needs time to adapt to a new system. Subbed off at half time.
Josie Green – 6
Whenever she plays, I just think it adds a really good balance in the defence, with Gemma Evans more of a no-nonsense defender, then Green and Hayley Ladd more as your ball playing defenders. Really happy she got an opportunity to start, and she performed well once more. Subbed off 77th minute.
Hayley Ladd – 7
What I really liked about Ladd today was that we were able to see her away from the defence. Having played at the back in the first half, she moved forward a little more after the introduction of some substitutes and was constantly arriving late in the box. We know she plays the midfield position so well for United, can we see it happen now with Wales?
Gemma Evans – 6
While the scoreline will tell a different story, Evans didn’t have it easy today. Kosovo looked really quick on the counter and at times posed questions to Wales, but I thought the Man United centre back dealt with them really well and never looked second best in any contest.
Lily Woodham – 6
Did get forward brilliantly again, linked up well with Rachel Rowe, but maybe not as ruthless as she was up in Wrexham. But again, performed really well, and a little surprised to see her taken off as early as she was. Subbed off at half time.
Kosovo 0-6 Wales: Wales hit for Kosovo for six to make it two wins from two
Sophie Ingle – 9
Controlled the middle of the park excellently, as we all know she can do. Thought she was extremely unlucky not to score in the second half, but it was a level of performance that we’ve come to expect from the now former captain. Kosovo really couldn’t get through the middle of the park with Ingle around.
Ceri Holland – 8
Was really happy to see Holland back in the eleven, and she showed just what she can offer this team. Playing in a midfield two with Ingle, but more than happy to go out wide and offer another facet up top. Played wing-back, left wing, she was everywhere.
Jess Fishlock – 9
Where do we begin? Two assists for today’s captain, and the first of those was world class. The second was equally good and she never put a foot wrong all game. Almost fitting that on her 150th cap that she created moments of brilliance from start to finish.
Kayleigh Barton – 7
Thought she looked really different on the pitch in this system. Looked really lively, moved around the box really well, and her finish was phenomenal. Maybe she can have a mini resurgence of sorts under Wilkinson? Subbed off 63rd minute.
Rachel Rowe – 10
Genuinely feel that’s one of the best performances in a Welsh shirt in recent years. You can look at the opposition and point out their weakness, but you still have to perform. Her goals were well taken, her link up play was excellent, and over two games, she has looked like our best player. Outstanding from Rowe. Subbed off 64th minute.
Angharad James – 6
Subbed on at half time. Very surprised she didn’t start, and at times I felt we missed her in the first half, but she came on and helped to hold down the midfield and get Wales forward, which they did superbly.
Ffion Morgan – 7
Subbed on at half time. Delighted that Morgan finally scored her first goal for Wales. Came on in the wing position but moved back to wing-back, but regardless of where she plays, she hurts so many opponents with her pace, and I feel Wilkinson has tapped into that very early on.
Elise Hughes – 7
Subbed on 63rd minute. Could have had a hat-trick in the second half! Her goals epitomised what being a striker is all about, being in the right place at the right time. You can see this season there’s a real swagger about her in front of goal, and hopefully that continues for the rest of the qualifying campaign.
Rhiannon Roberts – 6
Subbed on 64th minute. Came on when Wales were on top and helped close out the game, from a defensive perspective, in a professional manner. She was a danger when it came to set pieces and got Wales over the line.
Mayzee Davies – N/A
Subbed on 77th minute. Not long enough to make that much of an impact, but superb to see Davies make her debut. Wilkinson really showing she’s willing to give everyone a chance, regardless of where and who they play for.
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