\n<\/p>\n
Having struggled to reach Montenegro, Wales could only draw with opponents they were expected to beat with something to spare on a miserable evening at the Gradski Stadion.<\/p>\n
A victory would have put Wilkinson’s team in pole position to top their group, but instead they must now beat the Czechs if they are to finish first and therefore secure a more favourable route in the play-offs later this year.<\/p>\n
“I think that there’s the luck of a draw whether you finish first or second,” Wilkinson said.<\/p>\n
“Yes, you have a slightly better opportunity finishing first, but I do think momentum-wise and confidence-wise – and for the players to really recognise the growth they’ve made in the last few years – I think it’s important that we win this game.<\/p>\n
“This is a huge game and I think it’s a challenge against a team that is in almost every single category equal to us.”<\/p>\n
Wales and the Czech Republic are level on points having both won three and drawn two of their five group games to date.<\/p>\n
A Czech win in Cardiff would see them finish top, while a draw would also be good enough for Jitka Klimkova’s team because of their better goal difference.<\/p>\n
While both the Czech Republic and Wales are already certain to be in the play-offs, claiming first place would mean avoiding a League A side at the semi-final stage in October.<\/p>\n
Wilkinson says she has a fully fit squad available for the game – aside from Hayley Ladd, who was not called up in this window due to injury – with Carrie Jones and Lily Woodham both in line to reach 50 Wales caps on Tuesday. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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