Watford Ladies striker Helen Ward admits she ay have to leave the club if she is to realise her ambition of playing at a World Cup.

A 3-0 win over Russia took Wales and Ward to within a victory over England of qualifying for women’s football’s biggest tournament in France next summer.

Doing so would represent a huge achievement for Ward and one she believes would be the best of her career.

The 32-year-old’s hopes of being included in France have been complicated by the news Watford will play in the Southern Division, or third tier of the English game, next year.

For Ward, while leaving Watford would be a difficult decision to take, it is one she accepts she needs to play at a higher level for the good of her international career.

“It is a tough situation and I went back to Watford last summer with the ambitions of taking the club back to the level I think we should be,” Ward said.

“I am not under contract with Watford and haven’t made any decision on whether I will go back yet.

“When it comes to international football I need to be playing at as high a level as I can. I have a few things to think about over the next couple of weeks before making my decision.”

Ward is by no means ruling out remaining with the Golden Girls and her connection with the club she started her career with can’t be doubted.

She harboured ambitions of seeing out he playing days with the Hornets and says the thought of not doing so is a painful one to digest.

“It is really difficult and when I made my move back here I was delighted. I thought it could be me going full circle after staring at the club then having time away,” she said.

“Coming back to finish my career with Watford felt like a real possibility but women’s football moves so quickly.

“There will always be a place in my heart for Watford and I am still a season ticket holder for the men’s team.

“I hope to be at the club in some capacity in the future, whether that is as a player or in the background.”

Watford endured a testing season during the 2018/19 campaign as a young squad struggled to cope in WSL 2.

They will look to improve on their showing next term and Ward feels both she and her teammates have learned plenty and could benefit from dropping down a tier.

“From the club’s perspective it could be a blessing in disguise and give them a chance to rebuild,” she said.

“A lot of younger players came through towards the end of a tough season and will have learned a lot.

“They all have good futures ahead of them in the game and if they keep that core of players they can do well.

“I think the club has got a good grounding at the moment and can kick on.”