Angharad James has been named as the new Wales women's captain, ahead of the Euro 2025 qualifying play-offs.

The Seattle Reign midfielder takes over the armband permanently from Sophie Ingle, who stepped down in April after nine years.

James has already led her country three times, including against Ukraine and Kosovo in their current qualifying campaign.

Manager Rhian Wilkinson has named Manchester United defender Hayley Ladd and Liverpool midfielder Ceri Holland as vice captains.

Originally from Narberth, Pembrokeshire, James has won 122 caps and scored five goals for Wales since making her international debut against Scotland in 2011.

Two years ago, she became the youngest Wales player to join the 'centenary club' of players, that includes both Ingle and Jess Fishlock.

At club level, she moved from Tottenham Hotspur to join NWSL club Seattle Reign on a two-year deal at the start of 2024, 

James said: "Representing your country is the greatest honour a player can have, and now to be appointed captain is an extremely proud moment for me and my family."

"Sophie Ingle is an incredible leader and I’ve learned so much from her dedication and leadership as captain over the past nine years. Her legacy will be felt for years to come, and it’s a true honour to follow in her footsteps and those captains who came before her."

"I’ve spoken about the pride of wearing the armband when I’ve had the opportunities to previously, but we’re fortunate to have so many leaders in this group."

“Having leaders at different levels in the squad is crucial, and together, we will push towards our collective goal of qualifying for our first major tournament.”

Rhian Wilkinson added: "Angharad has been a consistent performer for this team for so many years, which is summed up by the number of appearances she’s made."

"Her passion and commitment to her country is evident and while she’s not necessarily the most vocal leader, she’s always demanding and offering advice to her teammates when she steps out on the field."

"I love the way she embraces the younger players in the squad with her leadership too, which is important for the future of the team and the direction we’re heading."

The decision to appoint a permanent Wales captain is a marked change in approach from Wilkinson, who took over as Wales manager from Gemma Grainger in February.

Previously, the manager had hinted at keeping the revolving captaincy system after Ingle stepped down following her first game in charge - a 4-0 win over Croatia in Wrexham last April.

Fishlock, Ladd and Holland were among those who wore the armband during the group stages of the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.

But ahead of their two-legged play-off semi final against Slovakia later this month, Wilkinson has moved to put her backing firmly behind a permanent skipper.

She said: “Several players have had opportunities to lead the team since I took over in February and we’re fortunate that there are lots of leaders in the squad."

“Angharad understands the responsibility that comes with being a captain, both on and off the pitch, and I know this is a proud moment for her and her family. I have no doubt she will lead the team as impressively as Sophie Ingle and the former captains of our nation."

“Hayley and Ceri have also been consistent performers in this team in recent years and both have worn the armband previously in the qualifying campaign. I know they will also bring strong leadership qualities in their roles as our vice-captains."

Attention now turns to the first leg of their semi-final in Slovakia in three weeks time - on Friday 25th October - followed by the return leg at the Cardiff City Stadium four days later.

But one notable absentee from the Wales squad will be Ingle, who is recovering from surgery after a serious knee injury while playing for Chelsea and is facing a lengthy period on the sidelines.