In-form Cain stepping up to the plate for Wales

Hannah Cain made her Wales debut in 2022 having played for England at various age-grade levels [FAW] Wales are a team in need of goals as they readjust to life after Jess Fishlock and Hannah Cain is stepping up to the plate. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson pointed out in the wake of Fishlock's international retirement last October that there was no Wales could replace their greatest player. Nevertheless, Wales were left with the task of filling the void left by Fishlock, the nation's all-time leading goalscorer, in their first qualifying campaign since she said farewell.

And so far at least, Cain has picked up the baton. The Leicester City player scored twice as Wales continued their bright start to 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying with a comfortable victory over Albania in Wrexham on Tuesday night. It was a second successive Wales double for Cain, who also scored twice in last month's demolition of Montenegro in Llanelli.

She has also contributed against higher-calibre opponents, having scored in Wales' opening game in this qualifying campaign, the 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic, as well as December's notable friendly triumph against Switzerland. At international level, Cain is in the form of her life, having scored six goals in her past four internationals. Prior to this sparkling run, she had five goals in her first 21 Wales games.

"I'm loving it right now," Cain said. "The way we're playing, we create chances and we're scoring goals. "I've got to say thanks to my team-mates because they're putting them on a plate for me.