Analysis of EURO 2021: Wales go into the tournament with a sympathetic attack but mediocre defence

Wales will face an unpredictable group at the Euros. Italy, Switzerland and Turkey are not among the hot favourites, but all three teams have the squad to reach at least the quarter-finals. Which team will the island selection go to the European Championships with?

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Daniel Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City)

Many of you may remember Wayne Hennessey from the last Euros, where he helped the team to reach the semi-finals with a terrific performance. However, he is likely to fill the number two role at this championship.

Daniel Ward, Leicester City’s number two, has been catching important games recently. Hennesey might have been preferred, but he wasn’t number one at Crystal Palace either and only covered Vicente Guaita’s back.

Defenders: Chris Gunter (Charlton Athletic), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Connor Roberts (Swansea City), Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Joe Rodon (Tottenham Hotspur), Neco Williams (Liverpool), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Tom Lockyer (Luton)

Like the Scots, the Welsh play in a 3-4-3 formation in most games. Joe Rodon, still only twenty-three, is a constant in the line-up. His first season at Tottenham didn’t go so well, but he is thriving on the international stage.

Rob Page can also lean on Chris Mepham thanks to a good season at Bournemouth. Wales have dropped the experienced James Lawrence due to injury, so Tom Lockyer and Ben Cabango will battle it out for the third spot.

The wing-back positions are filled by players from clubs in England. Connor Roberts, a mainstay of second division Swansea City, is on the right, while Liverpool’s future Neco Williams is at the helm on the other side.

Experienced Chris Gunter and Ben Davies can step in from the bench in an emergency, or conversely youth in the form of Rhys Norrington-Davies, who has thrived at Stoke City this season.

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Juventus), Joe Allen (Stoke City), Jonathan Williams (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Liverpool), Daniel James (Manchester United), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Joe Morrell (Luton Town), Matthew Smith (Manchester City), Dylan Levitt (Manchester United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)

There are several quality names in the midfield. Aaron Ramsey is the main star of the team after Gareth Bale, but now he is injured and it is not sure if he can play all three games.

The second place in the midfield can be occupied by several players. Perhaps the coach’s favourite Joe Morrell, the experienced Joe Allen, or Ethan Ampadu with Premier League and Bundesliga experience. From the bench, the offensive-minded David Brooks can step in at center midfield.

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Kieffer Moore (Cardiff City), Tyler Roberts (Leeds United)

We’re getting into an attack that is being pulled by Gareth Bale. He’s bringing his excellent form from the end of the season, when he shot Tottenham to at least seventh place. A threat from the right wing to any defence.

In the last two national team meetings, Harry Wilson, a winger, has been preferred to Kieffer Moore at the tip of the attack. He often switches places with Bale during the game, giving the opposing defences a lot of trouble.

Daniel James is attacking from the left. Manchester United fans criticise him for his poor finishing, but he has scored two important goals for the national team in the recent past and the coach trusts him.

Gareth Bale’s form and defensive cohesion

We have seen in the past that Wales with and without Gareth Bale are absolutely different teams. Bale is not only a goalscorer, but also a leader who can pull the team together for an incredible performance.

This was beautifully demonstrated at the Euro five years ago, where the Welsh, after progressing from the group, beat the Northern Irish in a small derby and then sensationally beat the Belgians in the quarter-finals. Bale didn’t score a single goal in the knockout phase, yet he was absolutely indispensable.

If Wales want to emulate the last European Championships, they need to perform, especially in defence, as a team. That means assisting goalkeeper Ward, who has played just five games on the club scene and is therefore without match experience.

Location Tip: Main group

Source: Transfermarkt