Wales World Cup squad review

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Robert Page has announced his 26-man squad who will be traveling to Qatar ahead of the tournament kick off this weekend. 

Much of the discussion revolves around how they will get on in their first World Cup since 1958 and especially in a group with England.   

It is a squad that reflects his loyalty in dependable players from the last two European Championships and a certain amount of star quality. There are doubts over match fitness, depth and age of some of the players. 

Danny Ward has seen his Leicester City form pick up in recent weeks after a poor start to the season. He might be given the nod over Wayne Hennessy who has yet to start for Nottingham Forest but has performed well in the past.  

In defence, they will be expected to line-up in a three-man system. Ben Davis, Joe Rondon and Ethan Ampadu are first choices. The inclusion of players from the Championship and below may cause worries should injuries occur. Neco Williams and Conor Roberts will be expected to bring club form into their role as wing-backs. 

In midfield, the inclusion of Joe Allen came down to the last minute with the experienced Swansea play-maker not having played since September. He was felt to be integral to their system however. Aaron Ramsey, now in France, has not played a lot since a falling out of favour at Juventus. Much of the running might be expected to come from Harry Wilson, Dylan Levitt or Sorba Thomas in this area of the field. 

Up front, it seems that they will go with one striker flanked by two wingers. Its likely that Keifer Moore will get the nod in this regard. There is possibly a danger that the weight of expectation on Gareth Bale could be unreasonable given his lack of recent playing time with LA Galaxy. He has proven to be a match-winner in the past, but Wales need to find goals from elsewhere.   

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Sheffield United).

Defenders: Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town).

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Nice), Joe Allen (Swansea City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Matthew Smith (Milton Keynes Dons), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town).



Forwards: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth), Mark Harris (Cardiff City), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest).

 

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile