Wales Women face reigning world champions USA in California tonight in their first game outside Europe (9pm kick-off).Angharad James will captain Gemma Grainger's Wales side in San Jose, where the visitors will have the chance to test themselves against the very best.Wales were invited abroad for the friendly at the 18,000-capacity PayPal Park by America, who are playing their final warm-up game before bidding to clinch their third straight world title at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which kicks off on July 20.Wales will unfortunately not be heading to the world showpiece, having suffered a World Cup play-off final defeat to Switzerland deep in extra time last October after breaking new ground by reaching the play-offs.
Heartbreak aside at not reaching their first major tournament, Wales improved significantly throughout that campaign as they became a more confident team in attack and developed a number of youngsters.
They have since gone six matches undefeated, and have one eye on their long-term goal of qualifying for the 2025 Euros. Wales return to competitive action later this year for the inaugural Women's Nations League, where they have been drawn in a tough group against Germany, Iceland and Denmark.The USA, meanwhile, have won eight straight games since an uncharacteristic three-game losing run in friendlies against England, Spain and Germany last autumn.Stand-in skipper Angharad James leads Wales in the absence of Sophie Ingle, who is suspended after being sent off in April's friendly with Portugal.
Jess Fishlock is a doubt for the game, while Wales are also missing Rachel Rowe.Live TV coverage of the Wales v USA will be available on BBC One Wales from 8.30pm on Match of the Day Wales,