The end of one era heralds the dawning of the next.

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

And there begins the challenge of filling the void left by Fishlock’s international retirement, of rebuilding following the removal of the cornerstone of the Wales team.

Fishlock has been part of the national squad for almost two decades, and has played in more than two-thirds of the games in the history of Wales’ women’s football team.

Even with her 39th birthday on the horizon, she remains Wales’ standout player – or at least she did until she said her goodbyes at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

Rhian Wilkinson is the head coach tasked with managing without Fishlock, of ensuring Wales continue their path of progression without their iconic number 10.

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

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