It was a hugely significant milestone on Friday night (April 8), as Helen Ward earned her 100th cap for Wales against France.
Since making her debut back in September 2008, the Golden Girls’ captain has consistently made an impression on the international stage, going on to become the record goalscorer for her country.
Now, she’s celebrating another revered achievement. Having hit the century mark, we’re taking a look back at her career with Wales.
Cap #1 – Luxembourg 1-6 Wales (September 30, 2008)
Then known by her maiden name of Lander, the forward’s prolific form for Watford in the top division of women’s football didn’t go unnoticed.
She was rewarded with her first cap in Hesperange. It wouldn’t just be a debut international appearance, Helen also got off the mark scoring wise too – the first of many to come.
Cap #15 – Wales 15-0 Azerbaijan (August 21, 2010)
This was a match where several records were broken. One of those was for the team, with the 15-0 scoreline being the biggest ever victory for Wales.
In a ruthless display of finishing, Helen would go on to net a double hat-trick, claiming the individual national scoring record in a game.
Cap #30 – Israel 0-2 Wales (November 20, 2011)
In the previous month of fixtures, another icon of Welsh football, Jayne Ludlow, scored her 19th goal against France. Helen would then get her 19th in the following fixture against Scotland.
A strike in the 2-0 win away at Israel would see Ward stand alone at the top of Wales Women’s scoring charts.
Cap #48 – Slovakia 1-1 Wales (June 19, 2013)
The next major milestone was that of Wales’ record goalscorer, with Ian Rush’s total of 28 the target to catch.
A double header against Slovakia would see that beaten. Helen drew level in the first match on June 17, before then breaking the record in this one. She still holds it to this day and has since added a further 15 to the tally.
Cap #50 – Wales 1-0 Belarus (September 26, 2013)
Not even five years after making her very first appearance, Ward reached the half-century mark for her country.
She would go on to get the winner in this qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium, marking what was a very special occasion in style.
Cap #58 – Wales 1-0 Slovakia (April 6, 2015)
We return to another match against Slovakia, and although this friendly didn’t involve the setting of records, it was certainly an important goal.
With her daughter Emily being born in 2014, it wouldn’t be long until Wales’ record scorer was back in the thick of things, netting her first since becoming a mother in this one.
Cap #75 – Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan (November 24, 2017)
Having made her first few appearances as a Watford player, Helen would represent the Hornets on international duty again for her 75th cap.
She had returned to league action in October after the birth of her son Charlie, and it wasn’t long until she was representing Wales again too.
Cap #92 – Wales 4-0 Faroe Islands (October 22, 2020)
The Golden Girls’ captain was back amongst the goals at international level, taking her total to 43.
It came in the 33rd minute and put the Welsh in front in this one, as they went on to secure a comfortable win.
Cap #96 – Wales 4-0 Estonia (October 26, 2021)
Ward is currently on 44 goals for Wales and her most recent strike came back in October in this 2023 Women’s World Cup qualifier.
Results like this have put Gemma Grainger’s side in a good position, and don’t be surprised to see Helen continue to make an impact as they strive to reach the final tournament.
Cap #100 – Wales 1-2 France (April 8, 2022)
The big 100. Helen’s status as a legend is already indisputable, however reaching such an incredible mark further showcases the brilliant career that she’s had so far.
Having reached three figures against France, the forward will no doubt be putting on that Wales shirt a few more times yet.
Photos: FA Wales, AW Images
