Joe Morrell hoping Wales can carry momentum into Turkey tie

Wales midfielder Joe Morrell highlights the ‘powerful’ nature of momentum as his side look ahead to their next Euro 2020 game against Turkey.

The 24-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Switzerland on Saturday, pairing up with Joe Allen in the heart of the Welsh midfield, as his side drew 1-1 in Baku.

But the Luton Town midfielder is now looking ahead to another important game against Turkey on Wednesday. He’s hoping his side can carry on from a strong end to the game against the Swiss and head into the Turkey game with momentum.

“I think Turkey will be a different challenge. Obviously, Switzerland are a team that wants to dominate the ball a bit more. They probably have better individuals (than Turkey) but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re a better team.

“What we’ll expect will be drilled into us in the next few days leading up to that. I think we can take some positives and negatives from the game yesterday but obviously, we have to be focused on Turkey now.

“Momentum can be a really powerful thing. I think there’s going to be a lot of Turkey fans in the stadium, and I think that can be an advantage for us.”

Morrell made his major tournament debut against Vladimir Petkovic side on Saturday and had a big part to play, providing the assist for Kieffer Moore’s goal that got Wales back on level terms.

Another player who played a big part in the hard-fought draw was Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward. Ward made a host of brilliant saves throughout the 90 to keep Cymru in the game.

Both Morrell and Ward have found games hard to come by at their respective clubs this year, but the Ipswich born midfielder expressed the importance of taking the chances when they come.

“We have to take chances when they come. Wardy has definitely done that and id like to think I’ve done that myself because you don’t necessarily get many chances to impress.

“It isn’t easy when you haven’t played, I can certainly empathise with Wardy, especially for a keeper. I think we’ve both had to take opportunities when they’ve come. He probably played a bigger part than me yesterday and I’m really pleased for him.”

COVID-19 has changed the way we live in a number of ways for well over a year now, especially in the world of football. Despite this, some bricks of the well-known Red Wall still made the incredible journey to Baku.

Morrell showed his gratitude for the hundreds that made the mammoth 3,000-mile trip but wasn’t at all surprised by the dedication of the heroes that got behind the team in the Baku International Stadium.

“I don’t think anything surprises me anymore with the set of fans we’ve got. The togetherness we’ve got within the group, that also counts outside the group, not just the fans who travelled but the fans back at home watching as well.

“The fans that did travel, well it’s unbelievable really, it is not a short trip we know that ourselves. People have spent their hard-earned money to come and support us in Baku and it really does mean a lot.”

A big talking point away from Wales’ game with Switzerland was the horrible story in the following Euros game. Denmark’s Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the Parken Stadium pitch, sparking some harrowing moments for those that watched live.

Thankfully, the former Tottenham teammate of Ben Davies pulled through. Morrell recalled his emotions at the time of the incident and spoke on the mood of the camp after seeing and hearing the upsetting scenes unfold.

“It was horrible. Obviously horrible to hear and it was difficult to comprehend at first. It’s something that really puts it all into perspective as a footballer who’s fit and healthy.

“The canteen was just silent and it’s just not really a nice day to be involved in, especially as it’s someone who does exactly the same thing as you.

“It reminds us all it is just a game at the end of the day and there’s definitely more important things.”

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)