Article body analysed
Safia Middleton-Patel and Olivia Clark are both set to play a part as Wales attempt to qualify for a first Women's World Cup Rhian Wilkinson intends to continue rotating her goalkeepers during Wales' Women's World Cup qualifying campaign. Wales kick off their bid to reach the 2027 World Cup in Brazil when they face the Czech Republic at the City Stadium in Uherske Hradiste on Tuesday. Wilkinson has regularly switched between her two frontline keepers, Olivia Clark and Safia Middleton-Patel, during her time as Wales head coach and says that approach will continue. "Both of them have performed for Wales but I don't feel either of them really grabbed the jersey yet and so I try not to make it [so] that it's a combative environment, " Wilkinson said. "They know before they come in which games they're going to be playing, so I try to tell them that you have just got to perform in your game. "If they can do that consistently, they'll grab the number one, but I do not feel one of them has taken that number one role yet. " Czech Republic v Wales Women's World Cup qualifying Tuesday, 3 March at 17: 30 GMT City Stadium, Uherske Hradiste Watch live on BBC Two Wales and i Player from 17: 15 GMT; radio commentary on BBC Sounds via BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru; text commentary and match highlights on BBC Sport website and app. Leicester City's Clark, 24, has had more experience at both club and international level than 21-year-old Middleton-Patel, of Manchester United. Rugby Borough keeper Poppy Soper is also in the current Wales squad, but Clark and Middleton-Patel have shared goalkeeping duties since Wilkinson took charge two years ago. Middleton-Patel played in Wales' most recent game, a friendly win over Switzerland in December, with Clark lining up against South Korea in the other fixture during that camp. 'Really ugly' abuse affects players - Wales' Cain Wales to tour country in World Cup qualifying At last summer's European Championship, Clark started two of Wales' games with Middleton-Patel playing in the other. Clark has had more opportunities to impress overall, with the former FC Twente player starting 18 of Wilkinson's 24 games as Wales boss and Middleton-Patel beginning in the other six. The frustration for Wilkinson is that neither player is a regular at club level. "Liv's got a few starts, Saf's got a few starts. It's a problem I know with the men's team as well, " she added. "Both of them have had moments with their clubs, but we do not have solid starters. " After taking on the Czech Republic, Wales play their second Group B1 qualifying game against Montenegro in Llanelli next Saturday, meaning Clark and Middleton-Patel can expect game time in this international window. 'I knew the risks, I'd do it again' - Moody opens up in new BBC documentary 'Ugly' or 'beautiful'? Set-pieces prove decisive for Arsenal again 'I'll try and stay calm' says Arteta after Arsenal go five points clear - PL reaction Lord Sugar's hopefuls jet off to Hong Kong Annie and Nick look ahead to the Brit Awards The making of Charli XCX's fourth album, during the 2020 lockdown An occult-tinged crime shakes a Welsh village to its core 'I knew the risks, I'd do it again' - Moody opens up in new BBC documentary 'There were tears - but I had to peek behind curtain of head injuries in rugby' 'Ugly' or 'beautiful'? Set-pieces prove decisive for Arsenal again New era of Formula 1 - what is changing in 2026? India see off West Indies to book semi-final with England. Video India see off West Indies to book semi-final with England Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week? Iran, the US, and a World Cup that starts in three months 'Hearts & Motherwell the winners after damaging Old Firm stalemate' 'Out of absolutely nothing' - Lamine Yamal's solo stunner. Video'Out of absolutely nothing' - Lamine Yamal's solo stunner Would it be bigger gamble not to give Carrick Man Utd job? Predict F1 drivers' and constructors' championships How do Lionesses solve full-back succession problem? The moment I told my mum I wanted to stop football - and how life changed All you need to know about Netball Super League 2026 'He had it all' - Taylor pays emotional tribute to Virgo. Video'He had it all' - Taylor pays emotional tribute to Virgo The 'rare combination' behind Britain's youngest F1 driver 'Equal in decay' - Mayweather v Pacquiao is another boxing 'carnival' How safe is bare-knuckle boxing as it fights for mainstream appeal? Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.
