Joel: 'It's only just beginning to sink in' | OneFootball

The versatile international was named in Cymru's 23-player squad on Thursday, and has revealed the pride she feels whenever she's given the chance to pull on the famous red shirt.

Wales head to Switzerland next month to participate in their first ever major tournament as a nation, with Joel part of the squad who beat the Republic of Ireland over two legs to book their spot amongst some of the elite countries in women's football.

And ahead of the Euros, Joel spoke to newcastleunited.com about what it meant to help her country qualify for the competition and her excitement at being involved.

"It's been over a year since I made my debut for Wales, but I'm still so honoured that I get to wear this historic shirt," she said.

"To be a part of the team that managed to help Wales qualify for their first-ever major tournament was a crazy experience.

"When the full-time whistle went, and the hours that followed, it was just utter madness. I was so happy for the senior players who've been carrying the nation on their backs for so long, and perhaps even been under-appreciated at times.

"When I look back on it now, I think it's only just beginning to sink in as we prepare and start to think about the tournament itself."

Heading into their crunch second-leg match against the Republic of Ireland in December, Joel and her Wales team-mates knew a win was needed to guarantee their spot after a 1-1 draw in the first meeting in Cardiff.

And second-half goals from Hannah Cain and Carrie Jones saw off their opponents and kickstarted hours of celebration - and a realisation of the history that had just been made.

"You work so hard and for so long to achieve something, and then it finally happens, you don't know what to do with yourself," Joel added.

"Personally, I didn't know how to feel or react, we were all so emotional and drained after the game - but of course, we still managed to celebrate together.

"When we woke up the next morning, we all just kept laughing at each other because we couldn't quite believe what had happened the night before."

Wales kick off their journey in Switzerland on July 5th, against the Netherlands, before facing off against France and England.