At 38 years of age, Jess Fishlock is the most senior member of the travelling Wales party.
The Seattle Reign midfielder – whose tally of 162 caps and 47 goals for her country are records – is perhaps the most deserving of a place on the plane given her remarkable contributions in the Welsh jersey since making her senior debut against the Swiss in 2006.
And Fishlock paid a touching tribute to those who had made their way to Rhoose to deliver the perfect send off for the history-making Welsh squad.
“This is beautiful and it means so much to local clubs. It’s everything we’ve ever wanted,” she said.
All 23 squad players and boss Wilkinson posed together for one final photograph for the assembled media from the aeroplane’s staircase prior to boarding the Boeing 737.
The aircraft itself was given one last send off prior to leaving the Welsh tarmac as it rolled between two fire and rescue trucks spraying water to give a cannon salute – traditionally reserved for a plane’s first flight.
James is undoubtedly aware of the scale of the task that lies ahead for Wales – who face France on 9 July and England on 13 July after their opener against the Dutch.
But the 31-year-old issued something of a warning to those who are underestimating Wilkinson’s team.
“We’re excited for the challenge. People think Wales will be easy, but we won’t, we always give 100%,” concluded the 132-cap international.
