by Callum Ellis
Date: Thursday 6th June (19:00)
Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea
WALES Women will be hoping to continue their unbeaten run in Group One as they welcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in the first of two World Cup qualifiers this month.
Jayne Ludlow’s side held England to a 0-0 draw at St Mary’s in their last outing, and will be looking to replicate the same spirited performance in their upcoming fixtures.
Ludlow has named Olivia Clarke, Tamsyn Sibanda and Grace Horrell in her squad, who each receive their first senior call-ups.
Wales currently sit second in Group One, two points behind leaders England and four points ahead of third-placed Russia.
Captain Sophie Ingle, who was awarded Liverpool Ladies Players’ Player of the Season, is expected to make her 86th appearance against Bosnia.
Watford Ladies striker Helen Ward, who was an unused substitute in the last qualifier against England, is also named in the squad alongside the experienced Jess Fishlock and Loren Dykes.
Goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan was the hero for Wales at St Mary’s, earning her plaudits after an impressive performance against Phil Neville’s side.
Wales could leapfrog England into first place on Thursday evening if they overcome Bosnia, with the Lionesses not playing until the following day.
Samira Hurem’s Bosnia side are unable to automatically qualify for next year’s tournament, but are still able to advance through the play-offs.
Kayleigh Green’s second half strike was the difference between the two sides when they met in Zenica earlier in the campaign.
Wales welcome Russia to Newport Stadium in their penultimate qualifier on June 12, before concluding their group fixtures against England in August.
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