Jess Fishlock: Rhian Wilkinson lauds 'iconic' midfielder going into Euro 2025 qualifiers

Rhian Wilkinson lauded "iconic" Jess Fishlock as the Wales midfielder closes in on becoming her country's first ever 150-cap player.

"I don't think you can touch what she is in Wales, because she is iconic," said Wales boss Wilkinson.

"This is what I hope all of our young girls in Wales want to try to become."

Fishlock, 37, has become a monumental figure for her country since making her international debut against Switzerland in 2006.

Such has been Fishlock's impact on and off the pitch that Wilkinson feels she can fill the void left by retired US legend Megan Rapinoe at Seattle Reign.

"She's definitely well respected and recognised as one of the best players to have played in the league, and I would say with the retirement of Rapinoe in Seattle, she'll probably be even more the face of that team for this year until she calls it quits and decides to leave because she's such an integral piece of that franchise," Wilkinson said.

Wilkinson is preparing for her first campaign and first matches since being named as Gemma Grainger's successor in February.

Fishlock is among the names included in Wilkinson's 26-player squad for the qualifiers against Croatia on 5 April and Kosovo on 9 April.

Goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, currently on loan at Watford from Manchester United, and Bristol City midfielder Carrie Jones are unavailable because of injury.

However, Football Association of Wales (FAW) academy players Soffia Kelly, Elena Cole and Mared Griffiths all feature in the squad.

Wales are the highest-ranked side in their Euro qualifying group, which also includes Ukraine, although Wilkinson stressed her short-term focus is to become better acquainted with her squad.

"When you look at how the draw was set up, we are the highest ranked, and whenever you're highest ranked, there's an expectation to win the group. It is our expectation," she said.

"But I haven't seen these teams yet and in no way will I disrespect them by saying 'this is going to be a group that we have every chance of huge success'.

"If we deliver to the level I know we can, it's going to be a very successful group, but we've got to get to know each other and I need to get to know the opposition better."

Little more than a month after being appointed as head coach, Wilkinson - whose mother is Welsh - revealed she is bidding to immerse herself in the country's culture, starting with learning the national anthem.

"The FAW prides itself on being a family," she said.

"I live in south Wales now so being close to the offices in Hensol, I'm in the office pretty regularly getting to know everyone.

"It's been a smooth transition. Getting to know people is the first step, but living here and being part of the community and this Welsh football culture has been important to me."

On the anthem, she commented: "I'm trying. I won't be asked any questions on what it means at this point but I'm hoping that I can at least get by to sing it loudly and proudly, as long as the song accompanying me is loud enough to drown me out."

Going into her first match as boss against Croatia in Wrexham, Wilkinson confirmed Sophie Ingle will remain as Wales captain.

The former Canada defender also confirmed Jon Grey will continue to be a part of her coaching staff.

Wales: Olivia Clark (Bristol City), Laura O'Sullivan (Cardiff City Ladies), Soffia Kelly (FAW Girls Academy South), Rhiannon Roberts (Real Betis), Charlie Estcourt (Reading), Josie Green (Leicester City), Hayley Ladd (Manchester United), Gemma Evans (Manchester United), Mayzee Davies (Manchester United), Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign), Ella Powell (Bristol City), Sophie Ingle (Chelsea), Alice Griffiths (Southampton), Angharad James (Seattle Reign), Elena Cole (FAW Girls Academy South), Lois Joel (London City Lionesses), Rachel Rowe (Rangers), Ffion Morgan (Bristol City), Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign), Ceri Holland (Liverpool), Ellen Jones (Sunderland), Elise Hughes (Crystal Palace), Mary McAteer (Sunderland), Kayleigh Barton (Charlton Athletic), Mared Griffiths (FAW Girls Academy North), Ania Denham (Wolverhampton Wanderers).