Wales: Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, and Crystal Palace starlets missing from U19 squad
There's no place for Will Grainger in the Wales U19 squad. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
Wales’ squad for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals has been announced, with some notable omissions from clubs including Crystal Palace, Rangers, and Sheffield Wednesday.
Chris Gunter has named a 20-player squad, with Cardiff City providing the most representatives with three; meanwhile, Norwich City, Everton, and Brighton & Hove Albion each have two players selected.
Sheffield Wednesday, Crewe Alexandra, Swansea City, Leeds United, Wolves, Bournemouth, Sydney FC, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion, and Manchester United are also represented in the squad, each with one player.
Jayden Lienou of Leeds United is included in the squad, having been involved with the senior team earlier this month. Although he did not feature, Craig Bellamy spoke positively about his progress.
Robert Tankiewicz, meanwhile, recently put pen to paper on a new long-term deal with Cardiff, having made his senior debut for the Bluebirds last season.
Crystal Palace, Rangers, and Sheffield Wednesday prospects absent
Several players who had featured in the recent camp earlier this month, including matches against Qatar and Sweden, have missed out.
Among the notable absentees are Crystal Palace’s Charlie Walker-Smith, Rangers’ Josh Gentles, and Sheffield Wednesday’s Will Grainger, all of whom had been involved in previous squads.
Centre-back Charlie Walker-Smith is an 11-time Wales U19 international, having made his debut in September last year. He featured for a half in each of the recent matches earlier this month, but has not been included in the final squad.
Will Grainger is another notable absentee. The young striker, who has reportedly attracted interest from Everton, is expected to sign a new contract at Sheffield Wednesday after scoring his first senior goal earlier this season.
The 17-year-old has been involved with Wales at the U19 level for the past 18 months, often playing above his age group and earning six caps in that time. Despite this, he has not been selected for the tournament squad. His Sheffield Wednesday teammate Logan Stretch, however, does feature in the final group.
Eight-cap international Josh Gentles will also miss the tournament, though he suffered an injury, according to the local press in Scotland. He did not feature in the June double-header, but previously scored in a 3-2 win over Japan in November.
The 18-year-old signed a new contract with Rangers back in February until the summer of 2027, with an option for a further year. He also spent part of last season on loan at Alloa Athletic.
Door not closed on absentees, says Chris Gunter
The Wales centurion admitted the selection process for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship squad was one of the most challenging parts of his role.
“There were a few sleepless nights and long days,” he said.
He explained that the squad spent time in Spain last week playing a couple of matches, with competition for places extremely tight throughout the camp.
“We were away in Spain last week for a couple of games and it was a really competitive squad to get into, so naturally there were always going to be a few big calls and disappointed people. It wasn’t something I overly enjoyed, but I’m really pleased with the strength of the squad we’ve got now.
“Unfortunately, you can’t pick them all, but I think it was done in the right way in terms of informing them, and it doesn’t mean it’s the end of their international careers.
“It’s a big thing obviously to be involved, but it doesn’t mean that if you’re not in this one, you’re not going to be back in the squad moving forward.”
Wales U19 squad
Luis Lines (Norwich City), Logan Stretch (Sheffield Wednesday), Stanley Dancey (Crewe Alexandra), Brayden Clarke (Arsenal), Noah Williams (Cardiff City), Iestyn Jones (Swansea City), Luis Gardner (Everton), Jayden Lienou (Leeds United), Jac Thomas (Cardiff City), Makenzie Bradbury (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Charlie Stevens (AFC Bournemouth), Joe Lacey (Sydney FC), Robert Tankiewicz (Cardiff City), Elliot Myles (Norwich City), Cruz Allen (Derby County), Henry Kasvosve (Brighton & Hove Albion), Shea Pita (Everton), Oliver Bostock (West Bromwich Albion), Louie Bradbury (Manchester United), Adam Brett (Brighton & Hove Albion).
