With top spot secured in the UEFA Nations League and a place in League A for the next campaign Wales will now have their eyes set on their 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Following the 4-1 home win against Iceland manager Craig Bellamy stated that there are a number of young talent that are close to breaking into the first team squad as they look to build the next generation of talent.
Here is a look at five youngsters who could seal a place in a potential Wales 2026 World Cup squad.
Gabriel Biancheri
Gabriel Biancheri is currently making waves as part of the ever talented Manchester United youth set-up where he’s scored 30 goals in 39 appearances helping the under-18’s win the Premier League U18 title and the Premier League Cup.
He’s also stepped up to under-21 level for the Red Devils scoring twice in five appearances. The former Cardiff City academy product is no stranger to international football having made appearances for Wales in various youth grades from U16 to U19 level as well as competing at the U17 European Championships.
Biancheri is known for his speed and a versatility to play across the front line coupled with clinical technical finishing. The 18-year old has Italian heritage which will be one issue the FAW will have to keep an eye on as he continues to impress.
Speaking on the United youngster Attacking Football writer Dylan McBennett stated: “Gabe is maybe the dark horse of those in the academy at this moment in time. He’s always had the talent, and there has always been a lot of excitement around him since he signed from Cardiff, but people have really began to keep an eye on him at the beginning of this season due to the way he’s started.
With Chido Obi Martin coming in, it’s the perfect kind of challenge for Biancheri to push himself to the next level alongside a striker who many tip to join the first team in the next season or two. Gabriel has all the talents to follow in the footsteps of Chido, and he’s definitely part of the next generation of true class coming through for the Welsh national side.
There’s a lot to be excited about at Carrington, spearheaded by the leadership of Nick Cox, Biancheri is in the right place for his development. And is he develops correctly in these coming years and months, the sky is the limit.”
Isaak Davies
Isaak Davies is a Cardiff City Academy product that has been involved with the club since the age of seven. He made his first team appearance during the 2021/22 season where he featured 30 times scoring three goals and registering four assists.
He was loaned to Belgian side KV Kortrijk last campaign and had an impressive spell abroad scoring 12 goals in 36 Jupiler Pro League appearances. His career has had a setback this season as he looks to recover from a serious hamstring injury that has seen him sidelined for the current Championship campaign.
Davies has already worked with Bellamy during the managers spell at the Bluebirds as a academy coach, with Bellamy playing a vital role in his progression towards first-team football. The 23-year old has lighting pace and tenacious work ethic that would suit the new front foot Wales system.
He is also a player that has already featured regularly at youth level for his nation having made appearances at U19 and U21 level.
Speaking on Davies CCFCInsider said: “Davies excites me as previous to his loan at Kortrijk he was showing promise.
He looked sharp and had pace that Cardiff had been crying out for years, the concern was whether he was physical enough or clinical enough, but Davies proved at Kortrijk that he’s capable of being both.
Despite being unfortunate with injuries, Davies can get in this current Cardiff team, with his attributes matching those needed.
I feel Davies can break into the Wales squad as Bellamy is seeking a striker that works hard, which is exactly what Davies does, but I feel where Davies edges it over someone like Mark Harris maybe is that clinical touch, which is why I feel Davies could soon be the man leading the line for Wales.”
Charlie Savage
Son of former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage, Charlie is no stranger to Wales fans having already featured for the senior side twice against Gibraltar during international friendlies. He’s featured regularly in the youth ranks having made 19 appearances from U17 to U21 level.
The Manchester United youth graduate left the Red Devils to join Reading in 2023 as he searched for regular first team football, a move that has aided his development hugely already surpassing 50 appearances for the League One side.
“Charlie Savage has the potential to become a regular starter in the Wales team in the near future”, said Johnny Hunt host of the 1871 Podcast.
“The gamble to leave Man Utd in search of regular mens football is really starting to pay off at Reading, His all round game is improving week by week and his game changing abilities with a defence splitting pass or a quality finish are a joy to watch.
He’s quickly learning about the physical side of the game at this level and really is an exciting talent.”
Owen Beck
A player that has been on the periphery of the senior side is current Blackburn Rovers loanee Owen Beck. The Liverpool youngster has been involved in senior camps but hasn’t yet made a senior appearance, although its expected he won’t have to wait much longer for that opportunity.
Another regular at youth level for Wales his attacking threat as a roaming full-back looks set to suit the current Bellamy system similar to Neco Williams who could be occupying the opposite flank in the near future.
Hes now featuring regularly at club level gaining valuable minutes and experience in one of the toughest leagues in the world competing at Ewood Park in The Championship.
Speaking on Beck Blackburn Rovers reporter Elliott Jackson said: “Owen Beck has been a fantastic addition for Blackburn Rovers since signing on loan from Liverpool in the summer. He has offered them a different skillset at left-back, providing energy and athleticism down the left.
With Harry Pickering a more defensive-minded option, Beck has provided more of an attacking option for John Eustace. Despite his forward-thinking instincts, it strikes me how impressive he is as a defender. Usually, that element of a young full-back’s game comes later in their career but Beck seems to be very concentrated in his defensive work.
I think Beck will be a Premier League player, whether at Liverpool or if he is sold on for decent money. I see no reason why he won’t be a regular for his country either, considering their other options at left-back.”
Joel Colwill
A lot has been said about Cardiff City youngster Rubin Colwill and righty so as his recent performances for The Bluebirds has many pondering on if he will get an opportunity to show his talent in the red of Wales.
However its younger brother Joel that could also play a vital role in the future of Bellamy’s midfield as they aspire to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Colwill has featured at youth level from U16 to U21 for Wales and has started to play regular club football due to his loan move from Cardiff to League Two side Cheltenham Town where he’s been able to show his qualities.
Its expected that Joel will follow in the footsteps of his older brother making an impact for both club and country in upcoming international campaigns.
“Colwill has had raves about him for years, and now he’s starting to live up to it”, said CCFCInsider.
“I love Colwill’s athleticism and forward thinking style, and I feel he can easily break into this Wales side in the future, as I see him as a strong squad option that offers something different to what Wales currently have.
I think Colwill will break into the Cardiff side next year, and from then on I think it’s only a matter of time before he’s a regular in the Wales squads. Colwill’s athletic style suits what Bellamy is trying to do with Wales.”
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