Sophie Ingle has won 141 caps for Wales Sophie Ingle says she will be ready to play in Wales' opening game of Euro 2025 against the Netherlands on Saturday, 5 July. Wales have been without the influential 33-year-old for nine months after she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last September. The long-time former captain has defied the odds to make head coachRhian Wilkinson's squad for the European Championship,and is currently part of a pre-tournament camp in Portugal. Wales face the Dutch in Lucerne on before games against France and England in Group D at the tournament in Switzerland. When asked whether she would be available for the Netherlands game, Ingle said "Yes. I feel good. I'm still ticking off a few things over the next week with the medical team but I'm in a good place on the pitch and all my testing is improving. "I do feel really good on the pitch right now and whatever role I'm needed [to play] for the team I'll be ready, but I'm still trying to push through the fitness side of things for the next week. "I've been working hard in the heat and I've got to play some football as well which is nice. We've got four days of training in a row and then an in-house friendly match." This video can not be played Ingle 'exceeded all milestones' in Wales comeback With 141 international caps to her name, Ingle brings great experience to a squad building up to their first women's major tournament. But after months of questions about whether she would make it to Switzerland, Ingle - who is looking for a new club this summer after a seven-year spell with Chelsea - insists she has stayed calm all along. "I wasn't worried," Ingle toldthe Feast of Football podcast. "I think from when I first got injured I was always open about it, saying that I'm coming no matter what, whether I made the squad, whether I was going to be a training player or whether I was going to be a fan. "I wanted to be here with the girls on this journey and I would've done anything I could to get on that plane, in any role. I would've been kit man if you wanted me to. "Obviously I always wanted to get in to the squad and be available for selection, but if my injury had prevented that then I was going to be here." Even during her spell on the sidelines, Ingle's presence has been felt within the Wales squad, with the midfielder or defender joining in recent training camps as part of her rehabilitation. She has also worked as a pitchside TV pundit for Wales games, including the play-off victory over Republic of Ireland which sawWales clinch their Euro 2025 placelast December. Ingle, who was on crutches at the time, was on air discussing Wales' success when she was whisked off by her celebrating team-mates. "It was nice that the girls came over to get me and I could enjoy that with the team. I think that was a nice touch," Ingle said. "When the whistle went it was just relief that the girls had done it. We've been so close in the past and been through so much, we could finally relax and enjoy the moment. "When I'm home and have to watch the Wales games on the sofa it's not the same. I want to be in the stadium - I want to be there with the girls."
Ingle ‘will be ready’ for Wales’ Euro 2025 opener
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"Sophie Ingle Confirms Readiness for Euro 2025 Opener Against Netherlands"
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Sophie Ingle, the experienced midfielder and former captain of the Wales women's national football team, has expressed her readiness to participate in the opening match of Euro 2025 against the Netherlands on July 5. Ingle has been sidelined for nine months due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained last September. Her remarkable recovery has allowed her to secure a spot in head coach Rhian Wilkinson's squad, and she is currently engaged in a pre-tournament training camp in Portugal. Ingle's presence is crucial as Wales prepares for their first major women's tournament, with matches lined up against formidable opponents such as France and England in Group D. Ingle has reported positive progress in her rehabilitation, stating, "I feel good. I'm still ticking off a few things over the next week with the medical team but I'm in a good place on the pitch and all my testing is improving." She remains focused on enhancing her fitness ahead of the tournament, with plans for intensive training and an in-house friendly match in the coming days.
Despite the challenges posed by her injury, Ingle's commitment to the team has never wavered. She has remained involved with the squad during her recovery, participating in training camps and even serving as a pitchside pundit for Wales games, including the pivotal playoff match against the Republic of Ireland that secured their Euro 2025 qualification. Ingle's determination to be part of the team's journey is evident, as she mentioned her willingness to contribute in any role, even if it meant being a supportive presence rather than a player. Her emotional connection to the team was highlighted when she celebrated their qualification despite being on crutches, showcasing her dedication to the squad. Ingle's journey back to fitness and her return to the pitch symbolizes not only her personal resilience but also the strength of the Wales team as they embark on this significant tournament.
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