Angharad James to captain Wales against Ukraine

“One thing I will say is that this group is full of leaders,” added James.

“We’ve got leaders at every level, we’ve got youngsters that are coming through, we’ve got a really good senior group – a lot of which are captains back at their clubs.

“I think its a chance for everyone to have the opportunity to wear the armband, to express themselves and to become leaders in the group and the more leaders we can have the better chance we have of qualifying and being a better team, but it’s an honour for me to wear the armband.

“Whatever decision Rhian makes she’ll have everyone’s support and whoever that is will have everyone’s support too. It’s not just that one person, it will be a collective push to be able to hopefully qualify and reach a major tournament.”

Friday will not be James’ first outing as captain having led the team in the absence of the suspended Sophie Ingle during the 2-0 friendly defeat against the United States in San Jose, California in July 2023.

She captains a Wales team who currently sit top of their qualifying group for Euro 2025 after wins against Croatia and Kosovo.

“I have about 30 or 40 tickets that have been requested so they are coming in their numbers so it will be nice,” James said.

“Away [in the USA] I got the opportunity to do so and it was a really proud moment but none of my family could make it so it will be really special to have them all there, whilst leading the team.

“I’m really excited and really positive for the game too, it’s a game that I’m really looking forward to.