Wales are stronger than at Euro 2016, says Williams

Ashley Williams says Wales are stronger now than when they reached the semi-finals of the 2016 European Championship as they prepare for their first match at the Principality Stadium in more than seven years.

More than 50,000 are expected to attend tonight’s friendly against Spain despite the absence of Gareth Bale, who has been ruled out because of “muscle fatigue”.

Bale has been given only a “5050” chance of being available for next Tuesday’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland, but Williams, the Wales captain, said there was now more strength in depth than at any point in his 10-year international career.

Ryan Giggs, the manager, has brought a host of young players into the squad, with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, David Brooks and Chris Mepham all impressing.

“We have a lot of competition now,” said Williams. “It is the strongest squad since I have been playing for Wales and it does give the older ones a little bit of a push. In every position we have one or two players who can go straight into the starting XI. I think there are probably two XIS that could go out and be as strong as each other and we have probably never had that.”

Giggs has asked for the roof of the stadium to be closed tonight and Williams is hoping for a better atmosphere than in previous football fixtures at the ground, when attendances were often poor.

“I am sure it will be different to the last few times I played here,” Williams said. “I am sure we are expecting more fans.

“Cardiff City stadium feels like home and we have been keen to play our competitive games there. We were all up for a friendly here, a change and something different.”

Giggs was quick to play down the severity of Bale’s injury, but added he was prepared for the Real Madrid forward missing the Dublin trip. “Gareth has got a bit of muscle fatigue and he won’t be involved against Spain,” he said. “I would say he is 50-50 at the minute for the Ireland game. When you have niggly injuries it’s at the back of your mind until you’re flying again, but I’m not worried and Gareth isn’t.”