Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Mard Griffiths shines as Wales get a glimpse of the future

Safiya Middleton-Patel, Mia Ross, Mard Griffiths and Carrie Jones – who is still just 22 – were the four players drafted into the squad in Llanelli this weekend, with Olivia Clarke, Gemma Evans, Angharad James and Fionn Morgan making way.

While goalkeeper Middleton Battle and Ross – deployed as one of three centre-backs – were part of a defensive unit that did not have much work to do, Jones excelled in a central midfield role.

But it was Griffiths, the Manchester United youngster currently on loan at Sunderland, who received most of the plaudits.

“I’ve got everything,” Wilkinson said after Montenegro’s 6-1 defeat in Llanelli.

“And it’s a far cry from the finished product, which is very exciting for all Welsh people I imagine.”

Griffiths, wearing the No. 10 shirt often worn by Fishlock, scored Wales’ third goal, which was handed to her on a platter after a mistake by Montenegro goalkeeper Ajsa Kalla.

But there was nothing sugarcoated in Griffiths’ second goal of the afternoon, which was the only goal for Wales during a second half in which Montenegro sat deep and defended with far more conviction than in the first half.

Griffiths was fed by Jones, and had the composure to get around the onrushing Kalla before curling the ball with her left foot.