Jess Fishlock is one goal away from becoming Wales' record goal-scorer

  • Rhian Wilkinson says she finds it unbelievable that not everyone knows who Jess Fishlock is

Jess Fishlock needs one more goal to become Wales' outright record goal-scorer.

Wales' most-capped footballer will be looking to add to her goal tally when Wales Women bid to top their Euro 2025 qualifying group against Kosovo at Parc y Scarlets on Tuesday, 16 July.

She matched Helen Ward’s 44-goal tally by smashing Angharad James’ cross in off the underside of the crossbar 14 minutes into Wales' last outing against Croatia.

Rhian Wilkinson's side are currently two points clear at the top of league B4, meaning just a draw would be enough to see them over the line, owing to their superior goal difference.

Wales boss Wilkinson said of Fishlock: "I find it incredulous that not everyone knows who this woman is. I keep saying this that I hope we're back in the stadium in Llanelli because Jess will walk away from the game when she feels is right, it's a very personal decision but I think even she would say that she is coming closer to end and a new beginning.

"So, the opportunity to see her play and the influence she has on the game itself and in Wales is hard to quantify. And coming here, I knew that part of the opportunity was to coach someone of her calibre."

Wales have already secured their place in the play-offs, but topping their group would see them secure a more favourable draw and win promotion to group A.

  • Angharad James said Jess Fishlock has changed the future of Wales

She said: "First of all she's a great friend. She's been a great person to come into the camp when I was a youngster. She's welcoming and she ensures that everyone feels valued and appreciated. That's a huge part of the environment and she did that from the first day I came into the environment.

"I think she's changed the game for Wales. She's changed the future for Wales and she continues to do that. She inspires us all and she knows she's coming to the end of her career but she still wants to do that for the future and I think that speaks volume about the person and the player that she is. She'll leave the place in a better way than when she walked into it and I think that's special."

Wales will be expected to win comfortably against the side ranked more than 60 places below them by FIFA, especially since Rhian Wilkinson's team ran out 6-0 winners in the reverse fixture in April.

Wales go into their game against Kosovo with a two-point cushion at the top of league B4. Credit: ITV Cymru Wales

Kosovo are also the only side in league B4 who have no chance of reaching the play-offs, having lost every game so far this campaign and failing to score a single goal in the process.

Kick-off in Llanelli is at 6pm.

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