Jess Fishlock is set to return to the Wales women’s national team setup for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs, though not as a player. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson confirmed that the club football icon will join the backroom staff if Wales progresses to the two-legged final against either Norway or Romania in December.
Fishlock, who holds the record as Wales’ most-capped footballer, retired from international duty last October. Despite her standing down, the 39-year-old continues to perform at a high level for Seattle Reign. This past weekend, she netted two goals against Boston Legacy, surpassing Megan Rapinoe to become the club’s all-time leading scorer in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Wilkinson admitted she turned down a lighthearted request from Fishlock to extend her retirement and return to the pitch. “Jess could play forever, she’s incredible,” Wilkinson said. “There was never a doubt that Jess Fishlock could still do a job for us. But I think it was absolutely the right time for her to step away after that amazing qualification for the Euro [last year].”
Wales face Albania in the play-off semi-final on Friday, 9 October at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder. They will play the return leg in Llanelli four days later. The squad is currently missing several senior players for these crucial fixtures.
Fishlock, who has indicated this season will be her final year of club football, remains busy with Reign during the Wales ties. She previously served as a technical assistant for Wales’ opening qualifying match against the Czech Republic in March. Wilkinson revealed that former player Kayleigh Barton has also been brought into the coaching staff for the Albania encounters.
“I didn’t appreciate her saying ‘call me up coach, I’m ready’, which I thought was mean, but she was a wonderful player and a great leader for us,” Wilkinson added. “If we are able to get past Albania, she’ll be coming in as a coach for us for the next round.”
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