Mayzee Davies vows to target World Cup after Euro 2025 ACL absence
October 6, 2026 19:20
Wales defender Mayzee Davies says missing Euro 2025 because of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury has given her "extra motivation" as the national team prepare for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania. The 20-year-old Manchester City player suffered the injury on international duty in May 2025 and was sidelined for 13 months.
KEY CONTEXT
Davies missed Wales' historic first ever major tournament appearance at Euro 2025 but returned to international action for the final two group qualifiers in June against Montenegro and the Czech Republic. She told BBC Sport she wants to reach the World Cup and that playing for Wales "obviously in Brazil, it would be amazing," adding it would be "extra special" after her recovery.
Wales enter the Albania tie with several absences through injury, including Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd. The opponents sit 37 places below Wales in the FIFA world rankings; head coach Rhian Wilkinson, noted in camp: "we always respect every opponent we come up against."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Wales travel to Shkoder for the first leg on Friday, 9 October, with the return fixture scheduled in Llanelli four days later. The matches will be available on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra, Radio Cymru, and via live text on the BBC Sport website and app.