Joel: 'There's always that extra bit of edge against England' | OneFootball

The versatile midfielder picked up her first Cymru cap in February 2024 against the Republic of Ireland. Fast forward 17 months, Joel featured for her country in the final 12 minutes against France on Wednesday, impressing in the closing stages of a 4-1 defeat.

Joel helped Newcastle United Women to a fifth-place finish in WSL2 last term, with her performances earning her a spot on the plane to Switzerland, and she admitted to being on cloud nine following the 'number one highlight' of her career so far.

"It was a great moment for me," Joel said. "I was very proud. It was a career highlight, and it was very special for me.

"To do it at a major tournament, it doesn't get any better than that, and to have my mum and sister watching made it even better.

"I think it easily ranks as the number one highlight throughout my career. It's been such a whirlwind and a crazy journey that I'm glad to be a part of."

While the 26-year-old is yet to start for Wales at Euro 2025, she's delighted to be part of the historic squad that's reached their first-ever major tournament and to represent her country.

United's number 22 was born in North Finchley, London, and played for England at youth level but her sole focus has been on trying to pick up three points and continue Wales' journey at Euro 2025.

"We want to win every game, and it's a big game for us, but we'll prepare for it just like any other game," she said. "But of course there's always that extra bit of edge when we play against England.

"I'm so honoured to wear the Wales shirt and represent my country. I love playing for Wales and I want to beat England just as much as anyone else."

Having experienced a WSL2 record attendance last season at St. James' Park of just over 38,500, Joel is used to playing in front of passionate fans, with the Welsh army making themselves heard in Zurich this summer.

"When you've got the support that we do, they'll come out and cheer for us no matter what, and that really helps us," she added.

"It feels like every game is a home game for us. Even when we're coming out to warm up, I don't think I've ever warmed up better than in the last two games because the energy in the stadium is electric."

The match between Wales and England kicks off at 8pm BST and will be shown live at St. James' STACK, powered by Sela.