Wales are gearing up for their first World Cup finals since 1958 and it is likely going to be the last dance for two of the Dragons’ most integral players in their resurgence on the international scene: Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
The duo have been Wales’ leading generals over the last few years under Chris Coleman, Ryan Giggs and now Rob Page. Former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur winger Bale is already his nation’s highest goalscorer in history with 40 and could potentially dethrone Chris Gunter as the most-capped player in the second group stage match against Iran.
His team-mate Ramsey meanwhile has made 75 appearances, scoring 20 goals along the way.
Both have been commendable leaders on the pitch under different managers and those qualities will be looked to again as the nation prepares for its biggest tournament in 64 years in Qatar. But as the international careers of Bale and Ramsey appear to be winding down, the manager has already got one eye on the future.
That is going to be Wales’ next big test: how they move forward without the stars of this current generation. It is clear that Page is planning ahead already with 17 players in his squad being aged 25 or under, and there are some to keep an eye out for over the next few years.
GROUP B BETTING: England 4/11 Wales 11/2 USA 11/2 Iran 14/1
There is versatile forward player Brennan Johnson (21) who played an important role in getting Nottingham Forest promoted to the Premier League last year. Not only does he like to dribble past defenders, he has an eye for goal and is likely going to be monitoring his captain Bale closely over the next few weeks to further enhance his own game.
You also have his Forest team-mate, full-back Neco Williams. Williams is another player who likes to be progressive with the ball and also gets himself into decent shooting opportunities. He has had the same number of shots as Johnson (19) in the top-flight in 2022-23, which could offer Page’s team another attacking dimension in Qatar and beyond.
Then when you throw in the likes of Cardiff attacking midfielder Rubin Colwill (20) who also looks to be one to keep an eye out for in the years to come. He is a neat dribbler and likes to slip attackers through, but is also not afraid to shoot from distance, which could make him an option for set-pieces if he features.
TOURNAMENT ODDS: England 9/1 Wales 250/1 USA 150/1 Iran 500/1
Fulham’s Harry WIlson (25) is no stranger to football fans as he has been around for several years now but yet he still has years of his career left ahead of him. He likes to run at defenders, usually on the right so he can cut in onto his left foot and let fly with a shot. His set-piece deliveries could be huge for Wales this winter and a first taste of World Cup action will only serve him and his team well as they start to prepare for the new era of Welsh football.
WALES STAGE OF ELIMINATION: Group Stage: 8/11, Last 16: 15/8, Quarter-Final: 13/2, Semi-Final: 20/1, Runner-Up: 50/1, Winner: 150/1
Another wide player who looks to play a huge part in Wales’ future is Sorba Thomas (23). The Huddersfield Town winger has had a fairytale-esque rise in the past 18-months having gone from the National League, to the Championship play-off final to now the World Cup. Like Wilson, he likes to trick those tasked with marking him and he too can put inviting balls into the box whether that be from open play or from dead ball situations.
Defensively, Wales still have Chris Mepham (25) to incorporate into their future who already has a lot of experience at international level, but young Ben Cabango (22) is the one to watch. The Swansea City defender has been a largely consistent performer at club level over the past few seasons and he now has a great opportunity to hone his skill set and really challenge himself with some of the best attackers in the world.
Along with his named 26-man squad, Page has also brought along teenagers Ollie Cooper (replacing Luke Harris who pulled out for personal reasons) and Jordan James to gain valuable experience with the squad in Qatar as he knows they are the future of Wales.
Both are central midfield players with Cooper representing Swansea and James for Birmingham City. The duo have already gained valuable minutes at senior level in the Championship, but Page is preparing them to assist in the progression of the Welsh national team moving forward.
Speaking about their inclusion, Page said: "It's important we've got one eye on the future. March comes around quickly [Euro 2024 qualifiers] and we've got to have one eye on that.
"In the future, when the senior boys decide they're not going to play for Wales any more, it won't be too much of a culture shock and the change won't be so severe."
It is truly these experiences, regardless of where Wales get to in the tournament, that help with the growth of a national team, especially one that intends to qualify regularly for football's grandest tournament.
Mon 21 Nov (1pm GMT): England vs. Iran
Mon 21 Nov (7pm): USA vs. Wales
Fri 25 Nov (10am): Wales vs. Iran
Fri 25 Nov (7pm): England vs. USA
Tues 29 Nov (7pm): Wales vs. England
Tues 29 Nov (7pm): Iran vs. USA
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
