The Wales women’s national football team experienced a scare on Tuesday when their team bus was involved in a road traffic crash while en route to a training session for the Euro 2025 tournament.
An Unexpected Incident
The incident occurred as the team bus was heading to the stadium in St. Gallen, where Wales is scheduled to face France in their second Group D game. Following the collision, the planned training session at the stadium was immediately canceled.
Crucially, the Welsh Football Association confirmed that all individuals involved, including the players and staff on the bus, as well as those in the other vehicle, were unharmed. This news brought significant relief amidst the initial shock.
Coach’s Perspective
Wales coach Rhian Wilkinson, who traveled separately to the stadium for a pre-match news conference, addressed the incident directly. She acknowledged the unsettling nature of the event for the team.
“Football is secondary, and I think, yes, we are shaken,” Wilkinson stated. However, she quickly reassured everyone that the team is a strong unit and everyone was confirmed to be fine. Her focus remained on the team’s well-being and their ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Prioritizing Player Welfare
The Welsh FA (FAW) emphasized that their immediate priority was the safety and comfort of their players. Upon the incident, steps were swiftly taken to remove the team from the scene of the crash.
Players and staff were then returned to their training base to continue their preparations for the crucial match against France. This quick action aimed to minimize any lasting disruption or distress caused by the collision.
Support from Opponents
The spirit of sportsmanship was evident as France coach Laurent Bonadei began his team’s news conference by extending his best wishes to the Welsh players. He underscored the importance of health above all else in competitive sports.
“Winning or losing, health is so important. Health is number one,” Bonadei remarked through an interpreter. He expressed hope that the Welsh team would be okay for their upcoming match, acknowledging their canceled training session.
Looking Ahead to the Match
The match against France is a significant fixture for Wales in Euro 2025. This will be their second Group D game, following a 3-0 loss to the Netherlands on Saturday.
France, meanwhile, enters the match with momentum, having secured a 2-1 victory over defending champions England. Despite the unexpected disruption, both teams are now focused on the upcoming challenge on the pitch.
- The Wales women’s team bus was involved in a road crash en route to training for Euro 2025.
- All players and staff on the bus, and those in the other vehicle, were confirmed unharmed.
- The team’s training session was canceled following the incident.
- The Welsh FA prioritized returning players to their base for continued preparation.
- Opposing coach Laurent Bonadei of France extended well wishes to the Welsh team.
Despite the unsettling start to their week, the Welsh team will now look to put the incident behind them as they prepare to face France in a pivotal Euro 2025 encounter.
