Wales defender Hayley Ladd looks ahead to potential 100th cap
CARDIFF, WALES - 15 JULY 2024: Wales' Hayley Ladd during a training session at the Vale Resort in Cardiff on the 15th of July 2024. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
Friday could be yet another historical night for Wales, as defender Hayley Ladd is in line to win her 100th cap.
If she starts, Ladd will become the seventh female centurion, and the tenth player in the history of Welsh football, to reach the milestone.
“I’m incredibly proud to be in this camp at this moment,” Ladd stated. “To potentially win that 100th cap is an amazing feeling for myself and my family.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to work towards ever since seeing the likes of Jess Fishlock and Sophie Ingle reach 100 caps for Wales. I thought if I could achieve that in my career, I can retire and feel like I’ve achieved something great.”
Ladd made her first appearance for Wales in a friendly match against New Zealand in 2011, when she replaced Helen Ward in the 87th minute.
Since then, the vice-captain has been an ever-present for her country, and on the cusp of this major milestone, Ladd has been able to look back on some fond memories.
“That first cap was a long time ago! It was in a friendly tournament in Switzerland, funnily enough, but it was an amazing feeling to be part of the senior team for the first time.
“Seeing these full professionals playing such amazing football, coupled with their physicality, you felt at the time these players were huge. But then you grow up a bit and your perspective changes slightly.
“Reflecting on my 50th cap as well, that came against Italy, and I remember there was loads of snow and we still played the game because it was a friendly, and that was a surreal moment again. There are some really nice touching moments so far, and it’s nice to reflect on them.”
Cardiff City striker reflects on long journey back from injury after playing starring role
A fresh start
Ladd heads into this camp off of a major move in her career, as she moved from Manchester United to Everton.
After announcing her departure from United, Ladd was inundated with good luck messages from fans and teammates alike.
The gestures of others certainly touched the former Red Devil, who has nothing but love and affection for her now former team.
“It was really touching to be honest to see everyone’s messages when I left. I always tried to be the best teammate that I could be and try to push standards and advocate for the women’s team as much as possible.
“That was something in terms of my integrity and how I could keep going each day knowing I was trying to do the best thing possible for not only myself but my teammates too.
“I’m filled with pride to know that, hopefully, I’ve had a lasting impact at the club, and I wish the girls the very best, and I’m definitely still a Manchester United Women’s supporter.
“I love watching them and seeing them continue to be an amazing team.”
But now, Ladd’s future lies in the blue side of Merseyside, and so far, she is enjoying the new challenge.
“I feel really proud to have made the move to Everton. I feel incredibly happy to be with the club, and it felt like a plaster I had to rip off in terms of leaving Man United.
“Having loved my time at the club and loving the group of players there, it was time for me to transition to a new challenge.
“I’ve really enjoyed challenging myself and being in a different environment, and I hope it sets me up well to play for Wales and my performances can reflect that.”
Wales squad announced for Italy and Sweden tests
The Power of the Underdog
It’s fair to say that Wales are about to embark on one of the hardest run of games in international football.
Fixtures against Italy, Sweden, and Denmark in the Nations League will be followed up by matches against the Netherlands, France and England in this summer’s European Championships.
All six of those sides lie in the top 20 of FIFA’s rankings, yet Ladd knows Wales will fully embrace their underdog tag.
“We’ve always loved being the underdogs within this Welsh team. It’s something that really brings out the best in us in terms of our defensive resilience and also the shock of us having amazing attacking potential and catching teams on the break.
“We will take that excitement of qualifying for the first time and take it into our performances. There’s no pressure on us, but we will obviously put pressure on ourselves to perform well and enjoy being out there and performing as well as we can.”
First up in this international window is a test against Italy in Monza before Wales return home to face Sweden in Wrexham.
League A of the Nations League will of course bring about plenty of tests for Rhian Wilkinson’s side, but Ladd believes it is the ideal preparation for what’s to come this summer.
“Playing against these tough teams is perfect preparation ahead of the Euros. It signifies where we are as a nation too.
“We’re building in momentum towards the tournament and each it feels like we’re getting stronger with each campaign that passes by.
“Even though we were in League B last year, it felt like we had more control in games, and we were improving every time.”
