It’s time for Wales to do it all over again. After a simply unbelievable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France five years ago, the Dragons return to the European Championships once more intending to spring some more surprises.
The team at Last Word On Football has put together a country profile so that you can have the complete rundown ahead of the competition kicking off this week.
Everything You Need to Know About Wales Ahead of Euro 2020
Who is the Wales National Team Coach?
Perhaps the only thing that has marred Wales’ build-up to Euro 2020 is the situation surrounding their manager.
They are technically still headed by their former player and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, who took over in 2019. However, Giggs’ assistant, Rob Page, has been overseeing the team since November 2020 after he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend.
The 46-year-old has since been charged with assault, which led to confirmation that Page would take charge of Wales for the tournament.
Page has won four matches out of seven in his short time in charge, drawing one and losing two. Those wins included two Nations League successes against the Republic of Ireland and Finland that secured promotion from Group B4.
Page has also managed in the EFL, taking charge of Port Vale between September 2014 and May 2016. He left the club to join Northampton Town but lasted only until January when a 5-0 loss against Bristol Rovers brought his tenure to an end.
Who Has Been Selected in the Wales Squad For Euro 2020?
It feels as though there is a much bigger Premier League representation in Wales’ squad than there has been for previous tournaments and international periods.
There is the obvious might of both Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, whose club allegiances go beyond even the Premier League, but with eight different top-flight clubs (nine if you include Sheffield United, seeing as this competition is still attached to the 2020/21 season), Wales are certainly bringing through some incredibly talented players.
There’s no doubt Bale will be the main threat, as many teams, including England, found out at Euro 2016. Do not take lightly, though, the danger Harry Wilson can provide from set-pieces, or what Kieffer Moore can do in the air. And with a strong, resolute defence behind them, this is certainly a strong squad selection.
GK – Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City)
Defenders – Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Joe Rodon (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Chris Gunter (Charlton Athletic), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Neco Williams (Liverpool), Connor Roberts (Swansea City), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town)
Midfielders – Joe Allen (Stoke City), Joe Morrell (Luton Town), Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea), Matthew Smith (Manchester City), Jonny Williams (Cardiff City), Aaron Ramsey (Juventus), Harry Wilson (Liverpool), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Dylan Levitt (Manchester United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)
Forwards – Tyler Roberts (Leeds United), Kieffer Moore (Cardiff City), Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Daniel James (Manchester United)
Rubin Colwill – Surprise Selection
This will be the first major international tournament for many members of the Wales squad, despite masses of appearances at club level. For Cardiff City‘s Rubin Colwill, though, it will be a chance to add to the fractional number of minutes he has played in competitively compared to his teammates.
In February, the 19-year-old was handed his Bluebirds debut, playing the dying seconds of a 3-1 win against Coventry City. He then featured in games against Derby County and Nottingham Forest before starting the following two matches: a 2-1 home win against Wycombe Wanderers and the 4-0 thrashing of Birmingham City.
A further 45 minutes in a draw against Rotherham United wrapped up his season, but his mere 190 minutes of playing times were enough to convince Wales to give him a spot.
He has since made his debut for the national side, replacing Joe Morrell late on in the 3-0 friendly defeat to France, and manager Page is excited to see what he can bring during the tournament.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air since he’s come in,” he said. “He just blew us all away with how he was and how he conducted himself. He’s a top professional already and a great lad to have around the place.
“He’s really impressed me, he’s got a presence and maybe something we’ve not got in the middle of the park.
“He can play off the right, he can play as a 10, he can play in midfield – and that’s a bonus as well when you’re looking to pick a squad.”
Group Stages
Wales will compete in Group A alongside Italy, Switzerland and Turkey. There’s no doubt that it’s a tough group, though we’ve seen before the level of challenge that Wales can overcome.
Wales v Switzerland – June 12, 2pm BST
Turkey v Wales – June 16, 5pm BST
Italy v Wales – June 20, 5pm BST
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