After Mark Jones announced the names for the Wales C squad, there was plenty of debate of who should have been in or who should not have been in it.
With the game at The Oval getting ever closer, here’s our predicted starting 11 for the game. We’ve gone with a 4-3-3 formation for our predicted 11.
GK: Alex Ramsay –
The choice of goalkeepers for the game was one that struck up plenty of debate. However, Ramsay would be the obvious choice to earn his second cap for the Wales C side. Despite not being at his best for Bala Town this season, Ramsay is playing consistently and his side are pushing for a top-two finish in the league.
RB: Danny Davies
Coming in on what’s been a brilliant season for him. The New Saints man just about wins the shout for the right wing back spot. Having secured a third successive league title with his third different club, he will be raring to go for Mark Jones side. A player with plenty of pace and skill, with the potential to be in the headlines for the attacking side of his game as much as his defensive work.
CB: Dion Donohue
Captain of Caernarfon Town who will be playing in front of a bumper home crowd on the night. Brings Football League experience in to the side which will be invaluable for the younger players in the squad. Donohue is a player who will bring a lot to the side. Not only a man who is quick to spot danger, a fantastic passer and a centre-half who has excellent dribbling ability as seen numerous times with his rampaging runs into the oppositions’s half this season.
CB: Emlyn Lewis
The Cardiff MET man will be looking for his second Wales C cap at Caernarfon. MET were unlucky not to make into the top six this season but Lewis has provided an excellent defensive platform for them. Not afraid to get stuck in and also a threat from set-pieces. Lewis is a tough-tackling defender and will compliment Donohue well. Both are different in their styles and Lewis will provide the no-nonsense style to go with Donohue’s technical ability.
LB: Kane Owen
Since Penybont arrived in the JD Cymru Premier, their captain has been a revelation. A staltwart for Rhys Griffiths’ side, Owen possesses a fantastic left foot and is not afraid to get stuck-in. Like Danny Davies, Owen loves to go forward and his overlapping runs will important if Wales are to get success on the left hand side. From corners or free-kicks, Wales can rely on Owen to cause trouble for the England defence. A man who is well-deserving of his place in the squad and a favourite for the left-back spot.
CM: – Aeron Edwards
The only member of the team who will be looking to earn his third cap at The Oval. The Connah’s Quay man has been an excellent midfield anchor over the years and with defenders who love to attack, Edwards will be important to provide balance to the team. A player who can tackle and spot a pass and has bags of experience to bring with him. Wales will be looking to the veteran to provide a helping in hand in the defensive aspect of the game.
CM: Darren Thomas
‘The Cofi Messi’ as The Oval faithful call him. A player who is always capable of providing magic as his performances at Caernarfon have shown over the years. Never stops running and his trickery will certainly pose a problem for England. It will be a fantastic moment for him. A local lad putting on the Welsh shirt in front of his home crowd. An attacking player with an eye for goal and bags of ability should see him in the starting XI.
CM: Leo Smith
A wonderful player who’s had a great season. Much like Thomas is capable of anything on a football pitch, from cruching tackles to amazing goals. Smith is fondly remembered by the Caernarfon fans and will receive a good reception from the fans at The Oval. An all-round midfielder and as seen this season capable of providing excellent passes for the strikers to get on the end of.
LW: Nathan Wood – Another one of the Penybont side who has certainly caught the eye this season. Has electric pace which is capable of challenging any defence. From being a winger who provides the goals, Wood has now added goals to his game which is a big boost for Wales. A confident player and one who will provide speed and skill for the side.
ST: Kayne McClaggon
Not at his usual goalscoring best this season however McClaggon is the only out and out striker in the squad. Scored last time out in 2019 against England C therefore has fond memories of playing them. A clever player who can find space in the most crowded of areas. McClaggon loves playing off the last man and with the level of service available from the team, chances won’t be something that will be lacking for the Barry Town man.
RW: Ben Fawcett
Has been fantastic for Haverfordwest this season. An exciting young player with bags of speed and trickery. Is used to playing as part of an attacking trio at his club so playing in this sort of system will not faze the 21 year old. Loves to take on defenders and any sight of goal, Fawcett will have a go. Been more consistent in front of goal this season as well. A huge opportunity for him on an international stage.
That’s our predicted XI. May not be the players Mark Jones will choose on the night however a real blend of experience and youngsters and a side capable of getting a result for Wales
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