Free agent Wales players put themselves in shop window

Forwards Elise Hughes (left) and Hannah Cain (right) netted eight of Wales' 17 goals during their Women's World Cup qualifying campaign.

Published 13 June 2026

Rhian Wilkinson has stated that Wales' free-agent internationals showcased their abilities to potential employers by assisting her squad in securing the top spot in their Women's World Cup qualifying group.

Gemma Evans, Hannah Cain, and Elise Hughes all participated in matches against Montenegro and the Czech Republic, with their club futures remaining uncertain.

It has since come to light that defender Evans is poised to join Newcastle United after departing Liverpool, though no updates have been provided regarding the club destinations of Cain or fellow forward Hughes.

"I believe they have done everything possible to put themselves in the shop window," remarked Wales head coach Wilkinson.

Cain, aged 27, notched her sixth goal in six World Cup qualifiers against Montenegro, just three days after announcing her departure from Leicester City this summer following their relegation from the Women's Super League (WSL).

Striker Hughes, 25, disclosed ahead of Tuesday's crucial victory over the Czechs that she is leaving Crystal Palace after helping them earn promotion to the WSL.

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Another Wales forward, Tianna Teisar, is also currently without a club.

Bristol City Women announced in May that the 20-year-old academy product would be leaving the club this summer, having spent last season on loan at Plymouth Argyle.

Wilkinson acknowledges that waiting to find out where some of her squad members will land is part of "life at the end of the season".

"It is challenging because I want my players to be in the best possible circumstances at club [level] and also in environments that nurture and support them," she added.

"I sincerely hope I can offer them any assistance needed to ensure they secure a club as soon as it is suitable for them."

Wales will resume action in October, competing in a two-legged play-off semi-final as they aim to qualify for their first Women's World Cup.

Wilkinson's team will learn their opponents in that tie when the draw occurs on 18 June.