RODNEY Parade is the leading candidate to host Wales' crunch winner-takes-all Women's World Cup qualifier against England.

Jayne Ludlow’s side will be on top of Group One when they entertain the English on Friday, August 31 thanks to a success against Russia in Newport on Tuesday.

Goals from Kayleigh Green (2) and Tash Harding earned a victory at Spytty Park that secured at least second place in the pool.

They could now return to the city to hunt a win against England, who they held to a goalless draw in Southampton in April, that would secure a place at France 2019.

The Football Association of Wales are assessing all contenders for the mouth-watering game and must confirm the venue at least 60 days before kick-off, with chief executive Jonathan Ford previously saying that they would “pounce it" upon Phil Neville’s Lionesses.

"We are working on that (the venue) at the moment," said Ford to BBC Wales last week.

"Jayne will keep that close to her chest until ultimately we pounce it on the English at the last minute.

"It's competitive advantage, we are taking it to a place where we will hopefully get the points that we need."

Rodney Parade is the front-runner to host what is likely to be a record attendance for a Wales Women game on home soil, eclipsing the 3,581 that watched the meeting with England at Cardiff City Stadium in 2014.

So far this campaign they have used Cardiff City Stadium to host Kazakhstan in front of 3,165, Bosnia-Herzegovina were welcomed to Swansea’s Liberty Stadium with a crowd of 2,645 and the Russia clash at Spytty had a sell-out 1,214.

The Welsh Rugby Union-owned Rodney Parade, which is home to Newport County, Newport RFC and the Dragons, would ensure raucous home backing with a capacity of around 9,000 fans.

The Exiles attracted a crowd of 9,836 for their FA Cup draw against Premier League giants Tottenham after putting in temporary seating on the North Terrace.

When asked where she would like to play after the Russia win, coach Ludlow said: “Somewhere extremely loud – that would suit us.

“A decision hasn't been made. I'm sure discussions will be had in the next few weeks over what's the best option for us, but right now I couldn't tell you what that is."

Wales Women played two Euro 2017 qualifiers at the historic Rodney Parade ground in September, 2016 when they beat Israel 3-0 and then drew 0-0 with Austria.

Even if favourites England draw and then win in Kazakhstan in September then Wales could still qualify if they are one of the four best runners-up from the seven groups.