Wales ended their 12-game winless run in 2025 with a goal-laden victory over Switzerland in Jerez.

Sophie Ingle scored a close-range header to give Wales an early lead, before Aurelie Csillag drilled Euro 2025 quarter-finalists Switzerland level three minutes later.

Hannah Cain’s goal ten minutes before the break was the moment of the match. Sent in behind by Ingle’s marvellous lofted through-ball, Cain put on the after burners, burning past the Swiss defence and lifting the ball high into the net from 20 yards.

Wales’ third goal came in the opening 30 seconds of the second half, with Lily Woodham steering home at the far post with her first touch after coming off the bench.

Iman Beney’s low shot gave Switzerland hope after a Welsh error 19 minutes from time, but Rhian Wilkinson’s team held on for a first win since their Euro 2025 play-off triumph over the Republic of Ireland almost exactly a year ago.

The 12-game losing streak was Wales’ worst since 2001, but the caveats of strong performances in UEFA Nations League A against Sweden, Italy, and Denmark, as well as a first European Championship appearance against England, France, and Netherlands have to be applied.

Wilkinson had been frustrated by Wales’ 4-2 defeat to Poland in Newport, as well as the 1-1 draw with the Korean Republic – also played in Spain – but was clearly relieved to end a momentous year on a high.

“I can pretend all I want that the string of results, the questions I have had to answer, haven’t bothered me,” Wilkinson said after her side’s 3-2 victory.

“But it is a burden. One of the players said, ‘now you don’t have to answer the question’. It’s true.

“It’s nice to end [the year] with a win against a very good team who gave it their all. I don’t have much to say other than I am really proud.”

Wales lost nine times and drew thrice in their 12-game streak, but former Canada defender Wilkinson aid her players “absolutely rose to the occasion” against opponents ranked 24th in the world by Fifa, eight places higher than Wales.

“I think every game we’ve played this year has been against teams that are ranked higher than us,” she added.

“But we’ve been going toe-to-toe for a while now and knocking on the door, and this was the performance we needed, especially at the end of a tough year.

“Everyone’s brought up our recent string of results and I understand that, but equally you can see that this is a team that is almost unrecognisable, I would say, because of how confident they are on the ball.

“This is a really good team and, as soon as they start believing that I think we’ll be in a great spot.”

The Switzerland result was also a chance for Wilkinson to cap midfielder Laura Hughes, who replaced Carrie Jones at halftime.

The 24-year-old midfielder – who was capped by Australia in a friendly in 2024 – was called-up to the Wales squad for the first time in December and looks set to be a continuing part of Wilkinson’s group.

“There were some issues with the papers switching over, but I guess it was out of control, so I just had to wait for my opportunity, but I’m really proud to make my debut,” she said after making her Wales debut.

“Meeting about 50 new people in a short space of time was overwhelming. The staff, players and all the coaches as well have made me feel so welcome, it’s a really good environment.

“I’ve got a bit of a taste of what European football is like. It’s been a really challenging week, but really enjoyable.”

Melbourne City’s Hughes is eligible to represent Wales through her Welsh mother, who hails from Porthcawl and, judging by her issues with documentation, would have played for Wales sooner, if allowed.

Hughes regularly visited Wales during her childhood and felt the opportunity to represent Rhian Wilkinson’s side was one she could not turn down.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Wales growing up, mainly in Porthcawl, and it’s a really lovely community there,” she added.

“International football is hard to come by sometimes. If you get an opportunity somewhere, you might as well take it.

“A football career is so short, so I thought if I could have an opportunity of playing for a country I’m really proud to represent – my mum being from there and having a lot of family there – I thought why not take that opportunity.”

Wales return to action in March, when their bid to qualify for the 2027 World Cup will start with a trip to the Czech Republic and a home fixture against Montenegro.

They will also face Albania in Nations League Group B1, which doubles up as the first stage of World Cup qualifying.

On the back of their first appearance at a major tournament at Euro 2025 earlier this year, Hughes feels the “sky is the limit” for Wales at present.

“This team has shown that they can compete with the best in the world and make major tournaments,” Hughes said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if another one isn’t too far away, whether it’s the World Cup or Euros.

“It’s a great group of girls that play some great football and work really hard for each other. I guess the sky is the limit for the team.”

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