Wilkinson 'happy' - but wants more from Wales

ByGareth Vincent

BBC Sport Wales, AtParc y Scarlets

Rhian Wilkinson says Wales have room to improve despite hailing a job well done following their emphatic first win in 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying.

Hannah Cain and teenager Mared Griffiths scored twice with Rachel Rowe and Sophie Ingle also on target as Wales thumped Montenegro 6-1 success in Llanelli.

Wales' first competitive victory in 11 attempts came on the back of a battling draw in the Czech Republic last Tuesday – and Wilkinson says four points from the opening two games represents a promising start to her team's Group B1 campaign.

"I'm satisfied and I like that I'm driving standards more than I have potentially in the past, because this team's ready for it," the Wales head coach said.

"We have four points, we've got good strong goal differential and we know that there's a lot of areas where we can improve.

"I think it's a testament to this new evolution of the team that of course I'm a happy coach tonight, but equally I'm excited about all the details we can improve on."

Wales lead their group on goal difference after the Czech Republic, who are expected to be their main rivals for top spot, won their second game 5-1 in Albania.

Wilkinson's team face the Albanians in back-to-back qualifiers next month before completing the group phase of qualifying with a trip to Montenegro and a potentially decisive home meeting with the Czechs in June.

Assuming they do not end up bottom of the group - which appears inconceivable - Wales will then go into play-offs as they attempt to reach the Women's World Cup for the first time.

However, the reward for finishing top is a more favourable route to the tournament in Brazil.

Wilkinson says she is "excited about going again" in April given the nature of her team's performances this week.

"[Czech Republic] were a fantastic team that pushed us - we expected a battle and we got one," she added.

"We did well to come back and get the point. I think that was important not just for the point but for the character [showed in] not quitting.

"Then coming out tonight and making sure that we were delivering, we were getting in the right pockets and we were challenging the different pictures they were giving us… from my end I think this is a successful camp."

Leicester City goalkeeper Olivia Clark was not involved against Montenegro having picked up an injury in training on Friday.

Wilkinson says Wales are waiting for news from the Foxes on the extent of Clark's problem.