Five players who should aim to get in to Wales’ World Cup qualifying squad
Luke Jephcott of Wales u21's in training. Wales u21 training session at the Vale Resort on the 31st August 2020. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Ryan Giggs’ Wales will begin their World Cup qualification campaign with matches against Belgium and Czech Republic either side of a friendly against Mexico in March.
Wales, who failed to qualify in their final game of the campaign for the 2018 World Cup, will hope to break their 64-year spell without qualifying for the tournament.
This is a list of five players who could force their way into Giggs’ plans for the triple-header.
Ryan Hedges, Aberdeen
25-year-old winger Ryan Hedges has massively impressed for Aberdeen, scoring eight and assisting three in all competitions so far this season.
The ex-Flint Town United youngster is extremely tidy in possession, with a strong delivery and scoring ability also helping in his favour.
Capped three times for Wales to date, Hedges was called up to the squad which defeated Hungary and qualified for the European Championships in November 2019, although he didn’t make an appearance.
His last outing for Wales came in their 1-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago in 2019.
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Aberystwyth-born attacker Luke Jephcott has lit up League One this season, scoring 14 goals across all competitions this season.
Described by Plymouth Argyle boss Ryan Lowe as ”the hottest property in the country”, Jehpcott is destined for greatness in the game.
Jephcott is currently joint-top scorer in League One with 12 goals.
The 20-year-old striker, who currently averages 0.93 goals per 90 minutes in League One this season, could provide much-needed competition to Kieffer Moore in a position Wales have previously lacked in.
Having made his U21 debut in September 2020, the friendly against Mexico could provide Jephcott the opportunity to gain his first cap in senior squad.
Joe Allen, Stoke City
Always a pivotal asset to a Wales squad, Joe Allen has been side-lined due to a ruptured Achilles tendon since March 2020.
Allen made his first start for the Potters last week, as he hopes to regain his starting spot in midfield for club and country.
If Allen becomes available for selection, he could be reunited with midfield partner Ethan Ampadu. The pair compliment each other fantastically.
With 56 caps to his name, Allen’s experience alongside his energetic nature could massively benefit the squad, offering great balance and leadership.
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19-year-old Brennan Johnson is another Welsh international in fine form this season.
With only four first-team appearances at Nottingham Forest, Johnson was loaned out to Lincoln City with the hope of gaining vital first-team minutes.
Able to play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, Johnson has been directly involved in eight goals for the Imps so far this season.
He showcased his ability in late December, scoring four times and assisting twice in two games.
Eligible to represent Wales, England and Jamaica, the midfielder made his first-team debut in Wales’ goalless draw to the USA in November last year.
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With the introduction of Joe Rodon, Ben Cabango and Tom Lockyer at centre-half, Stoke City captain James Chester has gone somewhat under the radar on the Wales front of late.
Chester, who has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, is enjoying a long-spell of games for the Potters this season.
The 31-year-old played a crucial part in his side’s four-game league clean sheet streak during December.
With 35 caps and experience of playing in all of Wales’ Euro 2016 games, Chester could add some much-needed leadership to a young Wales side as they hope to start their qualifying campaign off successfully.
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