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.

"I like getting the chances and I know if one doesn't go right I'll get another. I just need to keep working on putting them away."

'Exactly what you want' as a striker

It would be no surprise should Cain find the net once more when Wales go in search of another victory over Albania in the return Group B1 fixture this Saturday.

With 10 Wales goals to her name, the 27-year-old is now the leading scorer in Wilkinson's squad ahead of Sophie Ingle and Rachel Rowe, who have nine international goals apiece.

Cain's hot streak has come despite some struggles at club level this season, where she is yet to score in 21 appearances for a Leicester side who are propping up the Women's Super League table.

Wilkinson believes Cain's Wales form is thanks in part to her "fantastic partnerships" and "friendship groups" in her team.

"I think they know how she wants to be played in," Wilkinson said.

"You can see there are a number of assists from different people.

"They are giving it to her how she wants to receive it and that's exactly what you want as a [number] nine, to make sure you are getting the ball in areas you know you can score in and she is doing that."

• Wales must take care of own business - Wilkinson
• Cain scores twice as Wales ease to Albania win

Elise Hughes started up front alongside Cain and also scored, making it two goals in this campaign for the Crystal Palace striker.

And there was a first glimpse of another Welsh forward as Phoebie Poole, the 21-year-old Plymouth Argyle player, came off the bench to make her senior debut against Albania.

Teenager Mared Griffiths, who started behind Cain and Hughes, continues to impress in a Wales shirt, with Wilkinson excited by the attacking options at her disposal.

"We have been working for the last two-and-a-bit years on our depth and our ability to change structure and give different pictures for the opposition," she said.

"I am really pleased with where we are at."