Jayne Ludlow has promised Wales will build on their World Cup campaign – despite the breaking of the dam on Friday night when England secured their place at the tournament finals. Wales’ wall of resistance had gone 867 minutes without conceding a goal until their final qualifier caved in as they conceded three goals inside 12 minutes in a 3-0 defeat at Rodney Parade. The result means England will be at the finals in France next year while the Welsh women – who have delivered a transformational campaign in so many ways – must now hope others results go in their favour to provide a second chance through the play-offs.

Phil Neville won’t be bothered by the Welsh boo boys and girls at Rodney Parade on Friday night – in fact, he rather agrees with the idea of haranguing his England side. Jess Fishlock, Wales’ most experienced player, called on Welsh fans to boo the English players to try to give the home side an edge in the winner-takes-all Women’s World Cup qualifier at Newport. After all, at stake is the biggest prize in football – a trip to the World Cup finals in France next year.

Jayne Ludlow believes Wales can take what should rightfully already be theirs on Friday night – the scalp of England. There may be far more at stake than an ancient rivalry, with World Cup qualification on the line, but the woman who has transformed both the results and the reputation of the national side is also eager for some just deserts. Back in April, Wales drew 0-0 with England in Southampton – a game notable for a gritty, backs-to-the-wall defensive display by Ludlow’s team, particularly goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan, but also for a goal-line decision that went against the visitors.

Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid renaissance proves he has the character to be a future captain of Wales, according to his former international colleague Simon Davies. Bale was seemingly inching towards the exit door at the Bernabeu before scoring twice in Real’s Champions League final victory against Liverpool in May. Instead, manager Zinedine Zidane and team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo left Madrid after that triumph and Bale has since played a pivotal part under new boss Julen Lopetegui, scoring in Real’s opening two LaLiga wins.

Hal Robson-Kanu – the striker who scored one of Wales’ greatest goals in the country’s history – has retired from international football. The West Brom forward, who is still only 29, confirmed his decision after being left out of the squad announced by manager Ryan Giggs on Wednesday. Robson-Kanu will forever be remembered for the “Cruyff turn” and shot into a Belgian net on the unforgettable night of Wales’ 3-1 victory at the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 in France.

Former Cardiff City and Wales goalkeeper Andy Dibble is one of manager Neil Warnock’s most trusted coaches. Cwmbran-born Dibble is a key member of Warnock’s coaching staff and says: “We have three highly competent senior goalkeepers. “Neil (Etheridge) has done well, while Alex Smithies is a good addition. He was brilliant in the Championship for […]

Former Wales international Andrew Crofts is playing a crucial role on and off the pitch for League Two Newport County. Captain Crofts, 34, has made a major impact at Rodney Parade and returns to the team for Newport’s home fixture against Notts County on Tuesday (7.45pm). “Us young players love the guy,” says teenager Tyreeq […]

Jayne Ludlow has been rewarded for transforming the fortunes of the Wales women’s team by being handed a new four-year deal. Ludlow – who has taken Wales to the brink of World Cup qualification – has agreed an extension to her current contract. It means she will have been in charge for seven years if she sees the agreement through to 2022.

Former Cardiff City defender Declan John could be on his way back to Wales to join Swansea City. John is one of a number of late options being considered by the Swans before Thursday’s transfer deadline as manager Graham Potter seeks to strengthen his defence. The 23-year-old Wales full-back is currently at Rangers, but appears to be out of favour with new manager Steve Gerrard.

Winston Churchill will play a role in The New Saints’ bid to succeed in Europe. Their 2-1 win against Lincoln Red Imps, champions of Gilbraltar, gives the Welsh club a chance of making progress, but it’s going to be a tough return leg. Dean Ebbe and defender Blaine Hudson, with a late winner, scored the goals […]

Newport County have signed Welsh international midfielder Andrew Crofts on a one-year deal. The 34-year-old will arrive at Rodney Parade with 438 league appearances behind him, including a season in the Premier League with Norwich City, and 29 Welsh caps. Crofts launched his career at Gillingham, where he was a team mate of County boss Michael Flynn.

Jayne Ludlow wants to hear Wales fans loud and proud when her team face England in their World Cup shoot-out. The Wales manager has taken her team to the brink of qualification thanks to their stunning 3-0 victory over Russia in Newport on Tuesday night. The win means Wales are back at the top of qualifying Group One for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year in France, with one game to go – their clash against the English on August 31.