Wales are making their second appearance in the UEFA European Championship, having reached the last four in their bow five years ago on the back of some individual performances. In 2016, they beat all the odds with the likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Hal Robson-Kanu showing brilliant teamwork. They lost to eventual champions Portugal in the semis. This time, they will hope to do better. But it's easier said. (More Football News)
With Ryan Giggs on the sidelines, who will go on trial in January accused of assault, Robert Page is taking charge of the team. He will rely heavily on the experience of Bale and Ramsey, but with the team scrapping through the qualifiers, where they finished second behind Croatia, Wales will find it difficult to reproduce their 2016 run.
GROUP AND FIXTURES
Wales, the third-oldest national football association in the world, are in Group A along with giants Italy, dark-horses Turkey and Switzerland. The Dragons start their campaign with a clash against Switzerland on June 12 in Baku, followed by a fixture against Turkey on June 16 in the capital of Azerbaijan. They play Italy on June 20 in Rome.
Wales play Group C runners-up (from Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia) in London on June 26, if they win the group. If they finish runners-up, Page's side play Group B runners-up (from Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia) on June 26 in Amsterdam.
WHO TO WATCH
Of course, Bale! Almost 32, this will be Real Madrid star's final last chance to win an international tournament. The legend will seek support from a crop of young stars like Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James and Harry Wilson. Forms of fit-again Joe Allen and experienced Ramsey will play a crucial role in Wales' operation as a well-knit team.
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Adam Davies (Stoke City), Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Leicester City)
Defenders: Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Chris Gunter (Charlton Athletic), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Connor Roberts (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Tottenham), Neco Williams (Liverpool)
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Stoke City), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Daniel James (Manchester United), Dylan Levitt (Manchester United), Joe Morrell (Luton Town), Aaron Ramsey (Juventus), Matthew Smith (Manchester City), Jonny Williams (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Liverpool)
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Kieffer Moore (Cardiff City), Tyler Roberts (Leeds United).
