Helen Ward: Wales can go as far as they believe. The Netherlands might look as that opening game as the perfect one for them and maybe Wales can play on that and take people by surprise and go under the radar. They have some fantastic talent with Welsh heart, grit and determination. We are the ultimate underdog. No other country has a dragon on their badge or flag, so that has got to mean something, hasn’t it?
Danny Gabbidon: I’m hoping Wales go all the way and win it, but being realistic with it being their first tournament I’m going to say something similar to what I said when the men qualified for Euro 2016 – if they can get out of the group that would be a really good achievement with how difficult that group is. If they get out of the group that would be a magnificent achievement.
Nedum Onuoha: I feel for Wales because they have been so unlucky to end up in this group with Netherlands, France and England. They are the underdog in every single one of those games. But I think they will get a win, I just don’t think it will be enough to get them out of the group. I imagine the games they play, especially against England, will be very hard-fought. With a strong start, they could be playing for a place in the knockouts in that final game. But I can’t see them getting out of the groups.
Fara Williams: I am rooting for Wales. It’s always important that we support home nations and the growth at their first tournament. I think they will go out in the group stages. They are in a tough group and will probably finish bottom of the group, but they won’t go out without a fight. Those Welsh players will give absolutely everything for the badge. Having played with a few at club level, their country means everything to them.
Alex Scott: I think it is epic they have reached their first major tournament and I’m all for that feeling that it can bring you together. They have waited a long, long time. I hope they can be a dark horse and surprise France and the Netherlands.
Steph Houghton: I think Wales will find it tough, but they have done unbelievably well to get to this tournament. To be involved in a group full of experienced teams at the highest level is going to be tough, but with this Welsh side I know they will never give up so it could be a surprise one for us all.
Anita Asante: History will tell us that for newcomers to major competitions, often it’s about experiencing tournament football and learning a lot from the first experience. Not many have progressed out of the group stages in the very first tournament. Wales have been really unfortunate to draw highly ranked teams with the know-how and experience. I think they will probably struggle to get out of the group, but if they do then everything is possible. They go in with that fearlessness and underdog status. I hope it can happen for them.
