The story of Wales EURO 2024 campaign: Five things we learned
Nathan Broadhead in action for Wales v Turkey in Euro 2024 qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium on 21st November 2023. Credit: Perry Dobbins.
Wales completed their European Qualification campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Turkey at The Cardiff City Stadium.
The result brought to an end a disappointing campaign for the national side, with them now needing to win two play-off games to gain a place in next summer’s tournament.
With that said, here is a look at five things we have learned about the national side and its future after the qualifiers.
Wales are in a transition period
It is a period of transition for the national side, as to be expected with some of the biggest names in Welsh football departing after the World Cup. Senior figures like Chris Gunter and Joe Allen have retired from international football, and of course the retirement of what many argue to be the greatest ever Welsh player in Gareth Bale, has seen the squad lose huge amounts of experience, and the solo game winning powers of Bale.
Cymru are now looking to bed in the next generation, and that will take some time. The results over the course of the campaign has shown that this is still a work in progress, but the big results both away and home against Croatia prove that this squad of players can still compete.
There’s great young talent coming through
With the transition period underway, there obviously comes the need to bed in a new crop of players to help the squad for the future. This campaign has shown that Wales have plenty of great talent coming through and the future is still very bright for the national side.
We’ve seen the emergence of Birmingham City youngster Jordan James, with Rob Page stating that he ‘went to another level’ in their game against Turkey on Tuesday night. You’ve also got the likes of Neco Williams who showed his ability with a tremendously taken goal against Turkey, and Ethan Ampadu, who at the age of just 23 has gained vast experience, with his next cap being his 50th.
Going forward you have Spurs star Brennan Johnson, who the Red Wall will be hoping can attempt to fill the huge void left by the absence of Bale, which will be a tough task. There is even promising signs from the younger age groups, with a group of players all with the potential to step up and help the senior side in the future, with us already seeing the likes of Charlie Savage and Joe Low stepping up.
Players need more game time at club level
One of the clear issues through the campaign was the problem with some players not getting enough game time at club level. The likes of Kieffer Moore, Neco Williams, Joe Rodon and Tuesday’s captain Ben Davies have seen reduced playing time outside of international football over the course of the games.
There has been improvement in this over the summer with Rodon and Ampadu getting moves to Leeds United to increase their game time. Davies could set to feature more regularly at Spurs after their recent injury crisis in defence, and Connor Roberts will look to regain his place in Burnley’s back line.
With the January transfer window edging closer, the national side could do with Danny Ward, Chris Mepham, Neco Williams and Kieffer Moore all getting moves to get regular game-time under their belts, especially for what could be two huge games in March.
Rob Page is still confident
Despite the poor showing over the course of the campaign, manager Rob Page insists he still has full confidence in himself and his group of players to qualify for Euro 2024. Speaking after the Turkey draw, page stated that “Were confident going for the playoffs.”
Page said that he was pleased that it is a home draw in the semi-finals, and that the home crowd will play a massive part in helping them get over the line has they have done so often in the past. He believes that if the squad can replicate their performances against Croatia then “we’ll be okay.”
Last chance for Page?
The Wales boss is feeling confident of still qualifying but ‘The Red Wall’ is certainly split on wether Page is the right man to take the national side forward. Failure to qualify for the competition will lead to questions being answered on his future, and what could be the next step for Cymru.
Do you think he is the right man to lead Wales in to March and beyond? let us know in the comment section below.
