JOE LEDLEY

For you, what were the most special moments in the qualifying campaign? Belgium, home and away. We drew 0-0 away, and after that we believed in ourselves and went from strength to strength. When we beat them 1-0 in Cardiff, the whole place was rocking. There were mixed emotions when we qualified in Bosnia: we lost 2-0 but it’s probably the best defeat I’ve ever been involved in!

How much have the Welsh supporters contributed to your success? They’ve been fantastic. The atmosphere in that Belgium game was the best I’ve ever played in. I used to go and watch Wales with my parents when I was younger – I remember us beating Italy – and the Millennium Stadium was packed with 70,000 fans every time. The atmosphere at games died down when I came into the team, but now it’s getting bigger and bigger again. It’s great to see.

How far can Wales go at Euro 2016? We need to get out of the group – that’s the main aim. You don’t want to get all the credit in qualifying, but then go into the tournament and not really perform. That would be a real let-down. We’ve got a very tough group but hopefully we’ll do ourselves proud. Your beard has been voted the most magnificent in all of Wales, beating Tom Jones’ facial hair in a poll. A proud moment? [Laughs] Yes, I’ll take that! It’s probably the first time and the last time I’ll beat Tom Jones in a vote! I think I look better with the beard – I’ve got to give my barber credit for it.

What about an Abel Xavier beard in France? No, I don’t think so! But the beard’s staying for the tournament. The aim was to keep it until we qualified – everyone in the camp said it was good luck. We’ll see how lucky it is in France!

“We had mixed emotions out in Bosnia. We lost, but it’s the best defeat I’ve ever been involved in”