Angharad James: Spurs midfielder to captain Wales against USA

Angharad James has over 100 caps for Wales

Angharad James will captain Wales in their international friendly against the United States of America on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James takes over the armband from Sophie Ingle, who is suspended for the game in San Jose, California.

Wales' most-capped player Jess Fishlock is also a major doubt.

Gemma Grainger's Wales side are providing four-time world champions USA with their final opposition before the World Cup.

Unlike their opponents, Wales go into the game out of season, but Grainger said when they agreed to play they "knew what the facts were".

"In terms of that physical preparation, we have not been together for as long as the US have been together, but the players will have worked to get to this point," Grainger told BBC Sport Wales.

"We want to get out of this game an opportunity to test our game plan first and foremost, we have a squad of players, we know we can make six changes.

"We want to make sure that we leave this game knowing more about ourselves, because for us to play against the back-to-back world champions, this is the kind of game that we want.

"Could there be another time to do it? Could there be more ideal circumstances? I'm sure, but that is not football."

James said it was a "very proud moment" when Grainger told her she was to wear the captain's armband.

"I'm honoured to lead the girls out. Something I hadn't thought of up until now - for me and my family it will be a great moment, a dream come true," said the 29-year-old.

"I would do anything to have Sophie in the team. But it's a dream come true to be captain."

Chelsea's Ingle is suspended after being sent off in Wales' draw with Portugal in April, but is with the squad in the USA.

"Yeah, she travelled, and she's a vital part of the team on and off the field, " added James.

"We were never going to leave her at home.

"She brings a lot to the squad on and off the field and this week she's been preparing the team as best she can from her perspective.

"She's a great person to have around too, she calms us all down."

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Haverfordwest-born James became the ninth Wales player to reach 100 caps last year and is Wales' "unsung hero by a country mile," according to record cap holder Jess Fishlock.

She had a brief spell playing in America with North Carolina Courage and Orlando Pride in 2021 and 2022 and will take the latest honour in her stride.

"I won't change, just be myself," James said.

"I try to lead by example. I know the importance of the group and how we need everyone.

"If we are going to be successful we need all 23 players, so the value I put on the whole squad and the younger players we've got coming through.

"I see myself as a leader that's preparing us now but also preparing for the future.

"We've enjoyed ourselves here but we're here to do a job and upset the party a little bit.

"We're playing against the world champions, what better a way to test ourselves, see how far we've come so far and maybe how far we've still got to go.

"I believe in this group, and I know we can be successful."