Davies' extra motivation after Euros heartbreak

Wales defender Mayzee Davies says missing Euro 2025 through injury has given her extra motivation for the World Cup play-offs.

The 20-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury on international duty in May 2025 which kept her out of action for 13 months.

She missed Wales' historic first ever major tournament appearance and now is determined to reach the 2027 World Cup.

Wales face Albania in Shkoder on Friday, 9 October in the first leg of their semi-final with the return fixture in Llanelli four days later.

"It was so hard," she said.

"It was just so sad for everyone, even in my street, it affected us.

"I'd just broken through [into the team] and I was 18 going to my first major tournament. It was horrible and everyone close to me felt it.

"At the time I didn't realise how bad it was until I looked back and [wondered] how I got through that? It was horrendous."

The Manchester City defender returned to action with Wales for their final two group qualifiers in June against Montenegro and Czech Republic.

Now she is determined not to miss out again.

"I missed out last time, so I want to feel what it's like to go to a major tournament with Wales," she said.

"It does give me that extra motivation. I love playing for Wales and I think we're quite a passionate country anyway. So to play in a World Cup for Wales in Brazil would be amazing.

"Not just for me and my family, but coming off the back of the injury would make it extra special."

Davies admits her 13-month recovery was tough and even worried she may never return to the same level again.

"Once I had the surgery I was stuck on the sofa, I couldn't do anything on my own.

"I thought, how am I ever going to like be a footballer again at this stage?

"But I had good people around me, team-mates, family, and then it does get better.

"One day you just wake up and you're like, 'oh, I can start to walk again now'."

Wales have suffered a host of injury withdrawals ahead of the Albania ties, losing a number of key players including Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd.

But facing a team 37 places below in the Fifa world rankings, Davies knows there can be no excuses for Wales as they bid to set up a play-off final against either Romania or Norway.

"We've had a lot of injuries to experienced players so you have to make sure all the new people feel a part of the team and feel valued," said Davies.

"We always respect every opponent we come up against but this is a must-win game and we can't dwell on who's not here.

"We have to work with who's here now. Everyone has their role and we've just got to get the job done."