- Tottenham forward returns
- Davies to skipper Wales in Ramsay’s absence
- Huge matches ahead as Page’s side bid for qualification
Brennan Johnson’s return to the Wales squad after recovering from injury is set to bolster the team’s efforts to secure a spot in Euro 2024.
The Tottenham forward, along with captain Aaron Ramsey, was sidelined for the October victory against Croatia, a crucial turning point in Wales’ campaign.
While Ramsey remains unavailable, defender Ben Davies will continue to lead the team as captain.
Huge month for Wales in Euro 24 quest
Wales’ chances of European Championship qualification could hinge on two pivotal Group D matches against Armenia and Turkey scheduled for later this month. The Welsh must secure victories in both fixtures to secure their place in the tournament.
Manager Robert Page expressed his confidence in the team’s ability, stating, “We want to win both games to qualify. It’s in our hands. We want two wins. We might not need two wins, but that’s what we are after. I firmly believe and the players do, that if we play the way we can, we can get the results.”
Joe Morrell, back after serving a suspension, and Brennan Johnson, who has recuperated from a hamstring injury, are crucial additions to the squad. Johnson’s versatility and proven performance at club level make him a valuable asset for the forward line.
Page emphasised the significance of competition for positions within the squad, viewing it as a positive challenge. He also noted the improved availability of players who have been actively featuring for their clubs.
However, there was less favourable news regarding Aaron Ramsey, who has faced setbacks in his recovery from injury. Despite this, Page affirmed Ramsey’s continued importance within the squad.
In a notable debut call-up, Sunderland defender and former Wales Under-21 international Niall Huggins joins the team.
Manager Page, who faced scrutiny following early defeats to Armenia and Turkey, has seen a turnaround in fortunes, particularly after the impressive victory over Croatia. This places Wales in second position in the group, trailing leaders Turkey by six points, but with a game in hand.
In the event of tiebreakers, Wales holds the advantage over Croatia based on head-to-head results, putting them in a favourable position to secure a qualifying spot.
“We have to build on one of the best results in my tenure against Croatia,” Page affirmed. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance against Croatia and emphasised the potential for sustained success against top-level opponents.
Betting Implications
Wales have the head to head advantage over Croatia, however, the bookies still make Croatia favourites to seal the second qualifying spot behind Turkey.
Check out the best betting sites for UEFA Euro 24 in the UK with Betting.com.
