Wales faces the challenge of life after Jess Fishlock

The end of one era heralds the dawn of another.

For Wales, life after Jess Fishlock begins with a friendly against Poland in Newport on Tuesday.

And here begins the challenge of filling the void left by Fishlock’s international retirement, and rebuilding after removing the cornerstone of the Wales team.

Fishlock has been part of the national team for nearly two decades, playing in more than two-thirds of the matches in Wales women’s football team’s history.

Even as she approaches her 39th birthday, she remains Wales’ standout player – or at least she was until she bid farewell to Cardiff City on Saturday.

Ryan Wilkinson is the head coach tasked with managing without Fishlock, and ensuring Wales continue on their path to progress without their famous number 10.

Wilkinson insists that trying to fill the void left by Fishlock’s international retirement would be a “waste of energy”.

“Don’t do that. It’s impossible and it’s not fair to the player.” [who comes in]Wilkinson said.