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Wales and Watford striker Helen Ward says that playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup is her motivation.
The 31-year-old is the oldest player in the squad, having made 80 caps for Wales. She is the all-time record goalscorer in both men’s and women’s football.
Ward gave birth to her son, Charlie, before returning to the international football scene in October, marking a remarkably quick turnaround.
Should her side make history tonight, by becoming the first Welsh side to qualify for a World Cup since 1958, then the Hornets striker will consider retirement.
“I’ve had two kids and people are asking me ‘why are you still doing it? What is it that drives you to still get up and train?’ but it’s this.
My dream is to reach a major finals with Wales and if we win on Friday, then I can retire next summer after the World Cup and that’s kind of a nice thought.”
England were ranked second in the World at the start of this year and have only dropped down two places.
With Wales being ranked as an outside seed before qualifying, Helen Ward says the pressure is on her country of birth
“They should have qualified by now and they shouldn’t be coming into the last couple of games in the campaign in the position they’re in, they should be in the World Cup already, so the pressure’s all on them.”
Helen was made the captain of Watford this season, after their demotion to the third tier of English football.
Ward added: “I’m a natural leader in that sense, there are younger players who have a lot of experienced players to look up to.”
The captain role is by default I’ve got it as one of the older players. It’s an honour whether I’ve got an armband or not, I like to try and lead by example. I try and give as much information as I can.”
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
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