When Wales secured qualification for a major tournament for a second time in five years with a 2-0 win over Hungary in November, a wait until the summer of 2021 for trips to Rome and Baku was certainly unexpected.
However, the Premier League is due to return on June 17 after three months of suspension and the Red Wall will alternatively be watching with a keen eye, as many of Ryan Giggs’ squad return to action.
As the schedule for the early stages of the return of football has been confirmed, we take a look at when Wales’ stars will be back on the pitch.
- Euro 2020 postponed until next summer amid coronavirus outbreak
- Wales 2-0 Hungary: Ramsey brace secures Euro 2020 qualification
- Euro 2020 draw: Wales to play Italy, Switzerland and Turkey
Wayne Hennessey
Despite finding regular football hard to come by at Crystal Palace this season, Wayne Hennessey’s performances for Wales in the qualifying campaign were paramount, notably making a remarkable double-save in the 2-0 win over Hungary.
Hennessey has made just two appearances for Roy Hodgson’s side in the Premier League so far this season, but if the shot-stopper is to feature in the run-in, the Eagles return with a trip to Bournemouth on June 20.
A difficult trip to Anfield to face league-leaders Liverpool on June 24 is followed by a clash with Burnley at Selhurst Park on June 29.
Danny Ward
Similarly to Wayne Hennessey, Leicester City’s Danny Ward has been used as a back-up goalkeeper this season.
The Foxes have had a very impressive season under Brendan Rodgers, which will get back underway with a tough trip to Watford on June 20.
What follows for Danny Ward and Leicester City is a home fixture against Brighton on June 23 and an away clash with Everton on July 1.
Ben Davies
Arguably Wales’ most consistent player, Ben Davies again showed his quality in the qualifying campaign and has featured regularly for Tottenham Hotspur this season, especially since the departure of Danny Rose.
Spurs return to action as they play host to Manchester United on June 19 and West Ham United on June 23, followed by an away trip to Sheffield United on July 2.
Neil Taylor
Another hero of Euro 2016, Neil Taylor has since made twelve appearances for Aston Villa in their first season back in the Premier League, after achieving promotion from he Championship last season.
Wales fans may see Taylor back on the pitch when Villa play at home to Sheffield United on June 17 and Chelsea on June 21, along with their trip to Newcastle on June 24.
Dean Smith’s side are also scheduled to face Wolves on June 27.
Neco Williams
Liverpool youngster Neco Williams looked set to make his Wales debut in the friendlies leading up to Euro 2020, but must now wait for his first international cap.
Having impressed in appearances in the FA Cup for Jürgen Klopp’s side this season, Williams’ Premier League debut is the next step.
The Wrexham-born full-back may be utilised in the run-in, as Liverpool return to their title-hunt with the Merseyside derby on June 21, followed by a home fixture against Crystal Palace on June 24 and a much anticipated clash with Manchester City on July 2.
Harry Wilson, Chris Mepham and David Brooks
There is certainly a strong Welsh contingent at Bournemouth and Wales fans will be especially keen to witness the return of David Brooks from injury.
Wilson, Mepham and Brooks are scheduled to return for the Cherries on June 20 when they face Crystal Palace, followed by clashes with Wolves on June 24 and Newcastle on July 1.
Dan James
It’s been a positive first season in the Premier League for Dan James since his move to Manchester United from Swansea City in June 2019.
The winger has netted three times in 27 Premier League appearances this season and will return in United’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur on June 19.
What follows for James and Manchester United is a home fixture against Sheffield United on June 24 and a trip to Brighton on June 30.
Full schedule
Weds 17th June
Aston Villa vs Sheffield United (6pm) Sky Sports
Man City vs Arsenal (8:15pm) Sky Sports
Fri 19th June
Norwich vs Southampton (6pm) Sky Sports
Tottenham vs Manchester United (8:15pm) Sky Sports
Sat 20th June
Watford vs Leicester (12.30pm) BT Sport
Brighton vs Arsenal (3pm) BT Sport
West Ham vs Wolves (5.30pm) Sky Sports
Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace (7.45pm) BBC
Sun 21st June
Newcastle vs Sheffield United (2pm) Sky Sports
Aston Villa vs Chelsea (4.15pm) Sky Sports
Everton vs Liverpool (7pm) Sky Sports
Mon 22nd June
Man City vs Burnley (8pm) Sky Sports
Tues 23rd June
Leicester vs Brighton (6pm) Sky Sports
Tottenham vs West Ham (8.15pm) Sky Sports
Weds 24th June
Manchester United vs Sheffield United (6pm) Sky Sports
Newcastle vs Aston Villa (6pm) BT Sport
Norwich vs Everton (6pm) BBC
Wolves vs Bournemouth (6pm) BT Sport
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace (8.15pm) Sky Sports
Thurs 25th June
Burnley vs Watford (6pm) Sky Sports
Southampton vs Arsenal (6pm) Sky Sports
Chelsea vs Man City (8.15pm) BT Sport
Sat 27th June
Aston Villa vs Wolves (12:30pm) BT Sport
Sun 28th June
Watford vs Southampton (4.30pm) Sky Sports
Mon 29th June
Crystal Palace vs Burnley (8pm) Amazon Prime
Tues 30th June
Brighton vs Manchester United (8:15pm) Sky Sports
Weds 1st July
Arsenal vs Norwich (6pm) BT Sport
Bournemouth vs Newcastle (6pm) Sky Sports
Everton vs Leicester (6pm) Sky Sports
West Ham vs Chelsea (8.15pm) Sky Sports
Thurs 2nd July
Sheffield United vs Tottenham (6pm) Sky Sports
Man City vs Liverpool (8.15pm) Sky Sports
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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