Dai (@colemans_dream) takes a look at the Cymru squad for the 2022 World Cup. Is there only one surprise?
In a squad of no real surprises, there was in fact one big surprise. From out of the cold, Tom Lockyer has been called into Wales’ squad for the World Cup as a replacement defensively for Rhys Norrington Davies.
The second mini surprise, is Mark Harris ahead of Tyler Roberts. With that said, Roberts hasn’t been in the QPR squad of late due to injury. So maybe there’s no surprise after all?
Tom Lockyer has been in solid form for Luton this season and even captained the side against Stoke this week. In fact, since Tom came back into the Luton side on 17th September, Luton have kept 6 clean sheets in 11 which is impressive. He is clearly having an important part to play in a side who are just two points off the playoffs. The surprise element however comes from his recent involvements for Cymru. The last time he wore the red of Wales was on 1st September 2021 in a 0-0 draw against Finland. I suppose the alternative would be James Lawrence, or no extra defender to replace RND. It’s a toss of a coin I suppose and Tom has certainly never let Cymru down so I think it’s a positive decision to bring him back in. There’s not been any clarity on why Tom has missed out in recent camps, but the important thing is, Rob Page has made the right decision to the squad.
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As for Mark Harris, I’m delighted he’s made the squad. I personally would have had Bradshaw given his recent exploits in front of goal but you can see why Page took Harris just by looking at his performance against Sunderland.
Harris is a bustling non stop type of player. Whilst he may get the headlines for a neatly taken goal an hour in, but it’s his contributions elsewhere which made a difference. In the first half he nicked the ball off a Sunderland player on the halfway line and raced forward before putting Ojo in. It’s his pressing too and his desire to never keep still. That impact was most keenly felt against Belarus out in Minsk where his break forward led to Gareth Bale’s winner. I like his movement but I wonder if his occasional lack of end product may be a concern. He has 3 goals in 20 games this season. It’s hardly prolific. But I back him to make an impact if needed.
You can make the argument for the inclusion of others, but Page’s insistence he was going to be loyal means there was little room for shocks, and he’s shown that to be true. Regardless of your opinion, or mine, it’s brilliant to finally know the names of the 26 men who will have a World Cup winners medal, on 19th December 2022.
