Euro hope, not Europa agony is my focus

JAMES CONFIDENT ANOTHER WALES ADVENTURE WILL EASE UNITED PAIN

DANIEL JAMES believes another barnstorming Euro ride with Wales can bring immediate relief to ease his Europa League heartache.

The Manchester United winger suffered penalty shoot-out agony (right) when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were pipped to glory by Villarreal last month.

But after hooking up with Robert Page’s Wales outfit, James believes that compensation and plenty more besides is within reach.

“In football you just have to get back up and get on with it,” said James, who scored his penalty (below) in the Gdansk shoot-out only for United to lose 11-10.

“Thankfully, we don’t have to wait until next season to do that and we can go into the Euros and a different environment and look forward to getting back out on the pitch, which is what we want as players.”

There is increasing confidence that a

Wales side built by

Ryan Giggs, but managed in his absence by former Under-21 boss

Page, may emulate the class of 2016. Five years ago, Chris Coleman led Wales to the semi-finals in their first ever appearance as qualifiers at the

European Championship finals.

And James said hopes were building that another extended run could be in the offing given the talent at the caretaker chief ’s disposal.

With experienced veterans

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey still going strong and talents like David Brooks having finally regained fitness, James (right) maintained they have the firepower to frighten anyone.

He added: “It’s one of the first times everyone has been in the squad. David and Aaron have had injuries over the past two years, but when they have come into the squad they have been unbelievable. For us it’s just brilliant that everyone is involved.

“I know the Euros was supposed to be last summer and everyone was gutted, but it’s great for the players who are now all fit and we have a full squad this time raring to go. We will definitely be feared. Whoever is put on the pitch attacking-wise, we have a great group.” Wales have landed in a difficult looking group with Italy on a 27-match unbeaten streak under Roberto Mancini, and Turkey and Switzerland both fancying their chances.

But James has warned them not to underestimate the Welsh and if things get tight in the knockout stages, he hopes Gdansk will stand him in good stead.

“For me you have to put yourself forward in those moments because it’s going to happen in your career,” he said.