Wales’ Hayley Ladd says Crystal Palace move came at right time

Wales were blessed with 19 years of Fishlock, but the loss of the country’s all-time leading goalscorer brings a different look to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Fishlock will be part of the coaching staff for the Czech Republic game but leaves big boots to fill on the pitch.

Ladd says it is up to Wales’ other senior players to lead the way.

“Jess is a phenomenal player – she’s such a trailblazer with what she’s done in the game,” she said.

“There’s obviously me, Angharad James, Ceri Holland and Sophie Ingle with a wealth of experience. There’s hopefully enough to carry the squad through and make sure we don’t lose any momentum in this next campaign.

“It will feel strange, but the squad is really ready as a whole to step up and that counts for all our younger players or the in-betweeners in their mid-20s as well.”