Pushing for their places
ROBERT Page believes Wales’ Euro 2020 hopefuls boosted their chances of securing summer selection in the 1-0 win over Mexico, secured by a goal from Cardiff City’s Kieffer Moore.
Page, who was again standing in for absent boss Ryan Giggs, named an entirely different side on Saturday night to the one who suffered an opening 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat in Belgium three days earlier.
Captain Chris Gunter became the first Welshman to make 100 appearances for the national team and fitagain goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey won cap number 95.
But it was largely an inxperienced team who claimed Wales’ first win over Mexico in five attempts, against opponents ranked ninth in the world and beaten only once in their previous 22 games.
“This has been a big camp for us for many reasons,” Page said.
“We’ve got World Cup qualifiers, we’ve had a friendly in between. We knew coming into it we would have to change the team because obviously the two qualifiers are the most important thing for us.
“But these players have done themselves absolutely no harm.
“They have gone out and we have had to take note of their performance. That will play a factor in what we do now in the summer and at the Euros.”
Defenders Ben Cabango and Rhys Norrington-Davies, midfielder Jonny Williams and striker Moore – who scored his fifth international goal – all impressed ahead of tomorrow’s World
Cup qualifier against Republic in Cardiff.
Matthew Smith’s composure and passing range also stood out in the Wales midfield as the Manchester City youngster surely booked his ticket to this summer’s delayed European Championship.
Page said: “Our young players need to be out playing competitive football, that’s the message we give them, and Matt’s a great example of that.
“The loan last season didn’t work out the
Czech for him. He got called back by Manchester City and sent out to Doncaster.
“I’ve seen him three times in the last month and he’s given performances like that week-in, week-out.”
Defender James Lawrence has been cleared to face the Czech Republic.
The St Pauli defender returned to Germany following the Belgium defeat as local Covid-19 quarantine regulations prevented him from travelling to the UK.
But those restrictions have now been eased and Lawrence was cleared by the local health authorities to travel to Wales yesterday to join up with the squad.
■ Ton of love for 100-cap Gunter: Pages 46&47
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