Williams not ready to retire yet and vows to continue leading Wales

Ashley Williams insists he has not considered retiring from international football and is prepared to lead Wales into the next cycle of competitive matches.

Williams turned 33 in August and manager Chris Coleman called him a “broken man” after Wales’ defeat to the Republic of Ireland last month ended their hopes of playing in next summer’s World Cup.

James Collins – a year older than Williams – subsequently called time on his

0 Ashley Williams: ‘Broken’. international career. But Williams says he remains committed to Wales, even though he will be nearly 36 when the finals of Euro 2020 are played.

“It was devastating to go out of the World Cup,” said Wil- liams, who is set to win his 76th cap against France in tonight’s Paris friendly.

“But as I sit here I’m enjoying the camp and as long as it stays like that I’m willing to give my services. As hard as that [Republic] defeat was to take, I’m here now and I can’t wait to be involved. As long as it stays like that I can’t see anything changing anytime soon.”

Everton defender Williams has had a difficult season for club and country, having been guilty of making some highprofile mistakes. But Coleman defended his captain last week by saying Williams’ “character” would get him through.