Hannah Cain Emerges as Key Player for Wales
Hannah Cain made her Wales debut in 2022 after previously representing England at various age-grade levels.
Wales are currently seeking goals as they adjust to the post-Jess Fishlock era, with Cain stepping up to fill the gap.
Following Fishlock's international retirement last October, head coach Rhian Wilkinson acknowledged that replacing Wales' greatest player was impossible.
Nonetheless, Wales faced the challenge of compensating for the absence of Fishlock, the nation's all-time leading goalscorer, during their first qualifying campaign since her departure.
So far, Cain has taken on this responsibility effectively.
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Saturday, 18 April at 17:00 BST
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Cain's Recent Performances
The Leicester City player scored twice as Wales secured a comfortable victory over Albania in Wrexham on Tuesday night, continuing their strong start to the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign.
This marked Cain's second consecutive match with a brace, having also scored twice in last month's dominant win against Montenegro in Llanelli.
She has contributed goals against higher-level opponents as well, scoring in Wales' opening qualifier, a 2-2 draw in the Czech Republic, and in December's notable friendly victory over Switzerland.
At the international level, Cain is experiencing the best form of her career, netting six goals in her last four matches.
Before this impressive streak, she had scored five goals across her initial 21 appearances for Wales.
"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."
Striker's Role and Expectations
It is likely Cain will score again when Wales face Albania in the return Group B1 fixture this Saturday.
With 10 international goals, the 27-year-old leads Wilkinson's squad in scoring, ahead of Sophie Ingle and Rachel Rowe, who each have nine goals.
Cain's scoring form for Wales contrasts with her club season, where she has yet to score in 21 appearances for Leicester City, who are currently at the bottom of the Women's Super League table.
Wilkinson attributes Cain's international success partly to the "fantastic partnerships" and "friendship groups" within the 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."
Team Dynamics and Emerging Talent
Wales must focus on their own performance, according to Wilkinson.
In the recent match against Albania, Cain scored twice as Wales secured an easy win.
Elise Hughes, who started alongside Cain up front, also scored, marking her second goal of the campaign for the Crystal Palace striker.
The game also featured the senior debut of Phoebie Poole, a 21-year-old forward from Plymouth Argyle, who came off the bench.
Teenager Mared Griffiths, who started behind Cain and Hughes, continues to impress in the Wales setup, with Wilkinson expressing enthusiasm about the attacking options available.
"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."
