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Wales' record scorer Helen Ward admits Jayne Ludlow's side need to sharpen up in attack if they are to qualify for a first major international tournament.

Wales begin their Euro 2021 qualifying campaign in August. They host New Zealand in a today's friendly at the Cardiff International Stadium.

Unlike New Zealand, Wales missed out on World Cup qualification and have not scored in their last six games.

"It is about taking it step by step," Ward told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport Wales.

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Today’s friendly is a chance for Jayne Ludlow’s team to begin preparations for what may be their best chance yet to qualify for their first major tournament – qualification for the 2021 European Championships in England begins in September and Wales have every chance of making it to the finals.

Wales get their campaign underway with a trip to the Faroe Islands in August before facing off against Belarus, Northern Ireland and Norway.

Ludlow is clearly keen to use this match to look to the future, with no fewer than five teenagers in the squad – and legendary midfielder Jess Fishlock, who recently won the Champions League with Lyon, sits this one out.

Wales narrowly failed to qualify for the World Cup, finishing second in their group behind England but missing out on a play-off place as one of the best-placed runners-up – but with Euro 2021 on the horizon, a long-overdue debut on one of international footballs’ biggest stages could be on the cards.

Image source, Getty Images

Jess Fishlock might not be in tonight’s squad, but another veteran of Welsh football will be in Cardiff – Loren Dykes will have the chance to pick up her 101st international cap.

Dykes, who plays at right-back for Bristol City, also coaches Wales’ Under-15s and ´óÏó´«Ã½ Sport spoke to her and her colleagues about her remarkable career earlier this year.