Rob Page names Wales squad as George Thomas and James Lawrence return
Wales manager Rob Page has named a 27-man squad for the upcoming tripleheader against Finland, Belarus, and Estonia.
The interim boss names his first squad since EURO 2020, in which Wales suffered a 4-0 defeat to semi-finalists Denmark in the Round of 16.
Page remains in charge of the national team and is now assisted by one-time international Alan Knill, who succeeds Albert Stuivenberg, who has left to focus on Arsenal duties.
There is a return to the fold for George Thomas, who has not been involved in a senior camp since March 2019. The 24-year-old has featured in four matches for Queens Park Rangers this season.
James Lawrence, who had to miss the summer showpiece is included after making two appearances for FC St. Pauli.
Jonny Williams is included despite only joining League Two’s Swindon Town just under a fortnight ago.
Connor Roberts is absent through injury after undergoing surgery for a groin injury suffered whilst on international duty. His club teammate Ben Cabango, who was part of the squad but didn’t feature has not been named in the squad this time around after contracting COVID-19.
There is no place for Josh Sheehan, who has adapted to life with Bolton Wanderers, scoring two goals and earning an assist.
Free-agent Hal Robson-Kanu, yet to find a club after leaving West Bromwich Albion, is not involved either as he looks to make his next step.
Tom Lawrence, who has been named captain of Derby County by Wayne Rooney is out with a groin problem and has missed their last two matches.
Meanwhile, Luke Jephcott remains in the Under-21s setup, despite scoring four goals in five appearances for Plymouth Argyle this season.
Wales take on Finland in a friendly match in Helsinki before resuming their World Cup qualifying campaign against Belarus on September 5. Three days later they welcome Estonia to the Cardiff City Stadium for the first match that will be played at full capacity since November 2019.
Wales squad in full to play Finland, Belarus, and Estonia:
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies.
Defenders: Chris Gunter, Ben Davies, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams, Tom Lockyer, James Lawrence, Rhys Norrington-Davies.
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Jonny Williams, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Joe Morrell, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, George Thomas, Rubin Colwill, Brennan Johnson.
Forwards: Gareth Bale, Daniel James, Kieffer Moore, Tyler Roberts.
