In this 2 part blog, Chris @Chris10Pricey opens with a look at the March qualifiers, the June squad and what it all means for Cymru. Part 2, which covers previews for the Armenia and Turkey games, is here
The sun is out, finally summer has arrived. But with the fixtures for next season out in the next week and Champions League qualifying starting merely days after the final whistle in Istanbul, we find another set of internationals right at the very end of possibly one of the longest seasons in history. We all love international football and Wales but surely the timing of this has got to be questioned, from a player well-being and a supporter viewpoint, especially as both qualifiers are crucial on the road to Euro 2024.
Embed from Getty ImagesAn almost perfect start
In the 8-game sprint for qualifying every point is vital. With seconds left on the clock in Split, you could be forgiven for thinking that this might not matter in the long run, we weren’t expected to get anything in Croatia. For most of the game, Croatia had been the better side taking the lead through Kramaric, but a mixture of superb keeping from Danny Ward and a lack of killer instinct from the 3rd placed side at the World Cup meant they only led 1-0.
It might have been a night of what ifs as Dan James spurned Wales’ one moment of quality at the back post with not long left. However, this was all before a long throw, a flick on and Nathan Broadhead’s tap in. Cue limbs in the away end and scenes of delirium back home. If every point is vital, that late goal may lead to the most vital of all.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter the highs of Split, Wales now had to back this up against Latvia at home 3 days later. Kieffer Moore’s first half header proved to be the difference, but for any Wales fan the margin of victory will have worried all of us right up until the final whistle, especially what had happened a few days earlier. Similarly to Split, an inspired performance by Latvian keeper Steinbors, kept them in the game, but at the other end, they offered very little threat. After 2 games, most would have expected 3 points, Wales had 4 and that must be considered an almost perfect start!
Embed from Getty ImagesElsewhere in the group, Turkey went to Armenia on Matchday 1, and Armenia took a shock early lead. However, Turkey battled back, scored 2 excellent goals, and withstood a late barrage to win the game in a hostile atmosphere. 3 days later, Turkey played our Matchday 1 opponents Croatia in Bursa. Despite Turkey creating numerous good chances early on, Croatia took the lead against the run of play and unlike earlier in the week, got the vital second goal on the stroke of half time, Kovacic with both.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter Matchday 2, Wales stand 2nd in the group on 4 points, behind Croatia on goal difference. They are both a point ahead of Turkey, with Armenia and Latvia propping up the others having both lost their opening games.
Squad News
The big news and possibly the most heart-warming, is to see David Brooks back in the squad. His recovery from Hodgkin Lymphoma has been well documented and I am sure there are times where he may have thought this may never happen again for him. If you remember back, he was a key part of previous qualifying campaigns and an exciting player to have in the team. Although this set of fixtures may come too early in his recovery to full fitness, just having him in the squad, will surely lift the spirits of all around him.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt is great to see Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson back in the squad after missing March through injury. Davies will provide much needed experience and a cool head at the back, especially in what is likely to be a hostile atmosphere in Turkey. Brennan has had a superb season with Forest in the Premier League and is one of our most exciting young players.
Embed from Getty ImagesI know that what happened in March irked both Rob Page and some fans, but it has been clear to see watching Forest weekly, he has been suffering with injury and hasn’t fully recovered. This was reflected in his form towards the end of the season, as a long campaign seemed to take its toll. It will be interesting to see how he is used, but I suspect it will be as an impact sub for the last 20 minutes, to use his pace and eye for goal. There is a first senior call up for defender Joe Low, and Morgan Fox, Luke Harris and Liam Cullen are the uncapped players in the squad.
Embed from Getty ImagesAaron Ramsey is in the squad after missing games for Nice towards the end of the season. His future is currently up in the air and will need sorting as soon as, especially if he is going to lead us to Euro 2024. Ethan Ampadu will have to pick himself up off the floor after the heart-breaking, yet superb relegation play off last weekend.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe one major talking point from the squad announcement, was the omission of Paul Mullin. Eligible for Wales through his grandmother, Mullin caused a lot of debate on social media around his record breaking exploits in the National League and the presence of Wrexham in the national media. While I can see the arguments for him to be included, personally I didn’t see this happening. It is a crucial time in qualifiers and to bring in an untested international is a risk.
Also, Mullin is nearing on 30 and may not fit with the younger model Page seems to be going with. If Mullin is to get his chance, I suspect it may be in the friendlies in the autumn against Gibraltar and Korea, where there is less risk and potentially a chance to rotate as it is difficult to see Page veering away from the tried and tested.
Embed from Getty ImagesFinally, a word on Tom Lockyer. His collapse in the play-off final was gut-wrenching to watch, but thankfully he looks set to make a full recovery. He has been the heart of Luton’s incredible promotion season and it was great to see the picture of him celebrating promotion in his hospital bed with his family. Like Brooks, when possible, it will be great to see him back in the red shirt.