U21 manager Matty Jones has revealed that he only discovered late last night that Charlie Savage and Joe Low wouldn’t be joining his squad.
After both put in impressive performances against Gibraltar, Rob Page elected to keep them both in the senior team ahead of the game against Croatia on Sunday.
While it will be a blow not to have the two available for Friday night’s game against Czechia, Jones couldn’t be prouder of his players.
“Fortunately, definitely not, unfortunately, for Charlie and Joe that they stay and further their opportunities with the first team. We received that news after the game last night, I had a conversation with Rob Page, and it was very promising.
“All I can say is that they are deserved opportunities to see them both stay, and its fantastic news for us.”
Savage’s journey in particular from the U17s to the seniors highlights a clear pathway for everyone involved in Welsh football.
Fin Stevens is one of those who is hoping to be the next one off the talent conveyor belt to be introduced into Page’s plans.
“It was a brilliant moment for both of them. They’ve done well at their clubs, and for them to go and get minutes last night shows there is a pathway there. If we keep doing well at our clubs and in the U21s, then there’s definitely a way into that senior team.”
Lithuania Lessons
This will be the first time we’ve seen the U21s since their victory against Lithuania last month.
While they did pick up all three points, it was a nervy ending, as Wales conceded two goals in the 90th minute, but hung on to win 3-2.
For defender Luca Hoole, the win was a timely reminder that no game in international football should ever be taken for granted.
“We all came back into the changing room, and it almost felt like we had lost the game in one way, it left a really sour taste in our mouths.
“Being 3-0 up is a comfortable scoreline, and it’s almost like we assumed the game was won, which you should never do in a game of football, and they scored two goals. All of us were disappointed, because we would hate to know that, if everything does boil down to goal difference in the end, a silly two minutes has let us down.
“If anything, we look at it and say, that’s the wake-up call that we needed. There’s no complacency heading into any games. We can’t let anything like that happen again.”
Czech Challenge
This month sees the U21s play only one qualifier, and that will be against Czechia.
This is a Czech side that played in the recent Euro U21 Championships, and they put together some decent results. While they didn’t make it out of the group, they suffered a narrow defeat to eventual champions England but did defeat Germany.
Zac Ashworth is certainly expecting a tough evening in the city of České Budějovice.
“It’ll be a really tough game. They’re a good side with some good players. They’re a difficult team to prepare for because they play a few different formations, and we won’t know exactly what we’ll get until game time.
“However, we believe in ourselves and believe in what we do, and we’re all confident going out there that we will get a result.”
While the summer was somewhat of a success for the Czechs, they have had a bad start to this most recent qualifying campaign, losing their only match so far away to Iceland.
Jones described this game as his, and the team’s, toughest challenge yet, and is expecting a response from the home side.
“It makes them more dangerous because they are going to want to react to that defeat. We’ve got one eye on the mentality of Czechia. They’re going to be at home, they’ll want to impress and start their campaign from here.
“For us, it’s about maintaining momentum and making sure that the positivity remains, that we’re able to showcase our abilities and talents, but we have to continue to be resolute, robust, and resilient.”
Euro 2028 Aspirations
While the focus is well and truly on the now, the future is an exciting one for all the players involved in the youth setups.
This week it was announced that some Euro 2028 matches will be played in Wales, with the opening game of the tournament taking place at the Principality Stadium.
For Ashworth, he’s hoping he can keep his good form on track and run out for that opening game in five years’ time.
“It’s massive for everyone and it’s great news for the country. As players, you want to play for your country at every opportunity and at every major tournament. To have a part of that competition in Wales is such a big opportunity for us all.
“Hopefully we can all push on and make good careers for ourselves and be rewarded by, potentially, playing for your country in a home tournament.”
As far as Hoole is concerned, he believes it will be a great time for not just himself, but for his family too.
“Any of the young lads here in this team want to play in the first team. Especially now looking at the games in 2028 and the fact family and friends will all be able to come and watch, it’s anyone’s dream that. It’s definitely my goal, and I’m sure it’s a goal for all the other lads too.”
Wales take on Czechia in their latest U21 European Championship qualifier this Friday, with kick off at 17:00.
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