Wales

Robert Page names first Wales squad since Gareth Bale retirement

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 14 March 2023

Page names first Wales squad since Bale retirement

As many as four uncapped players are selected in Wales' squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers as Robert Page reacts to a number of international retirements.

Robert Page has selected four uncapped players in his first Wales squad since the disappointment of the 2022 World Cup.

The Dragons collected just one point from their three group fixtures with USA, Iran and England, leading to an early elimination from the tournament.

Since then, four players have announced their retirement from the international scene, including greatest-ever player Gareth Bale, and the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers represent the first stage of a rebuild.

As many as four players are in contention to make their debuts for the senior team with Fulham midfielder Luke Harris, Birmingham City midfielder Jordan James, Swansea City attacker Oliver Cooper and Ipswich Town forward Nathan Broadhead having all been selected.

Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw is also rewarded for his recent form with a first call-up in five years, the frontman having contributed 13 goals and three assists in the Championship this campaign.

Millwall's Tom Bradshaw celebrates scoring their first goal on February 21, 2023 © Reuters

The remainder of the 24-player squad is as expected with Page having to find the balance between introducing fresh faces and continuity.

Just five members of the squad - Wayne Hennessey, Adam Davies, Aaron Ramsey, Bradshaw and Kieffer Moore - are 30 years of age or older.

Wales begin their qualifying campaign with a daunting fixture away to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia on March 25 before playing host to Latvia three days later.

Turkey and Armenia are also present in Group D, with the top two nations in the group progressing to the Finals in Germany next year.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies

Defenders Ben Davies, Neco Williams, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Connor Roberts

Midfielders Sorba Thomas, Jordan James, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Morrell, Harry Wilson, Luke Harris

Forwards Nathan Broadhead, Wes Burns, Daniel James, Oliver Cooper, Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson, Tom Bradshaw