It’s less than 100 days until Euro 2020 kicks off. With Giggs’ men facing two games in Baku against Turkey and Switzerland and a trip to Rome to face Italy, who are the lesser known players that could creep into the Welsh squad?
Hal Robson-Kanu: ‘What a turn, what a goal!’ – the man who scored one of the most iconic Welsh football goals of all time with his Cruijf turn and finish to take the lead against Belgium in Wales’ miracle run to the semi-final of the last European Championships in France in 2016. Although he’s not such a lesser known name for welsh fans, Robson-Kanu hasn’t played international football since losing to the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier in 2017 when he retired. However, he has recently reversed that decision. Robson-Kanu has scored 10 goals for West Brom this term and with Wales not spoilt for choice for strikers he may well make Giggs’ squad.
Neco Williams: The young Liverpool right-back has had pundits raving this season as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has shown faith in him. Williams, a Wales under 21 international has featured on both the right and left hand flanks in his 5 appearances for Liverpool this season. Ben Davies has nailed down the left-back spot which he’s held since Chris Coleman swapped to a 4 at the back post Euro 2016. Swansea’s Connor Roberts is likely to start on the right, with his closest competition being stalwart Chris Gunter, who is Wales record cap holder with 96. Williams’ versatility could be a key factor should he be selected.
Joe Morrell: The central-midfielder currently at loan at Lincoln from Bristol City impressed when he’s appeared for Wales. Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen and Ethan Ampadu are sure things for the Euro’s, should they all remain injury free. You’d expect Giggs to name another 2 or 3 central midfielders and Morrell for me, should make the plane. Charlton’s Matt Smith, on loan from Manchester City may also be in the squad. Personally, Morell helps the transition from defence to attack quicker. Releasing Wales’ exciting attackers in Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Dan James and Harry Wilson will be critical to their success in the tournament.
Tyler Roberts: The Leeds man has become an important part of their play-off hopes this season. Since his move from West Brom in 2018. Roberts was converted from a striker to an attacking midfielder, but has featured up front for the Yorkshiremen, proving an able deputy to Patrick Bamford. Roberts has 6 caps for Wales and should add to those with minutes in the Euros. Roberts has a great combination of skill and physical ability and is also adaptable. I don’t expect Roberts will start but he should feature at some point.
Ben Cabango: Probably the wildest of my choices. Cabango has burst into the Swansea side this year forming an excellent all welsh partnership with Joe Rodon, who will no doubt be in Wales’ squad. Cabango has been fearless for the Swans and has become a fan favourite at the Liberty in a short amount of time following an injury to Swansea’s Mike Van Der Hoorn. The problem for Cabango is Wales aren’t suffering from a lack of centre backs. As I’ve mentioned, Rodon will be on his way to Baku, so to will Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham. Inspirational Ashley Williams is playing good football again at Bristol City, following disappointing spells at Everton and Stoke and Tom Lockyer of Charlton has impressed when he’s had chances. Euro 2020 may come to soon for Cabango, but he’s defiantly one for the future.
Before Wales travel to Baku, they will play Austria and the USA at the Liberty Stadium and the Cardiff City Stadium respectively before finishing their preparations by playing the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
Haydn Evans 