Ramsey, Johnson and four uncapped players are in – four World Cup squad members are out
ROB Page has named four uncapped players in his first Wales squad since the World Cup and the four retirements that are triggering a new era.
The squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia this month also include some notable changes with four World Cup squad members not making the cut.
The four uncapped players are Luke Harris (Fulham), Jordan James (Birmingham City), Ollie Cooper (Swansea City) and Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich Town).
The quartet who have lost their place in the squad since the World Cup are Cardiff City pair Rubin Colwill and Mark Harris, Matthew Smith (MK Dons) and Dylan Levitt (Dundee United).
Championship Player of the Month Tom Bradshaw (Millwall) will have the chance to make his first Cymru appearance since 2018.
Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest) has been included in the squad despite leaving the pitch early due to a groin injury against Tottenham. He has scored five and assisted two Premier League goals since the World Cup. Aaron Ramsey is also included.
Premier League regulars Danny Ward (Leicester City), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest) and Kieffer Moore (AFC Bournemouth) are all included in the squad, as are experienced heads Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest) and Aaron Ramsey (OGC Nice).
Full squad
Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Sheffield United)
Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Joe Rodon (Rennes, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (AFC Bournemouth), Connor Roberts (Burnley).
Ethan Ampadu (Spezia, on loan from Chelsea), Sorba Thomas (Blackburn Rovers, on loan from Huddersfield Town), Jordan James (Birmingham City), Oliver Cooper (Swansea City), Wes Burns (Ipswich Town), Aaron Ramsey (OGC Nice), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth), Harry Wilson (Fulham)
Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich Town), Dan James (Fulham, on loan from Leeds United), Kieffer Moore (AFC Bournemouth), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Tom Bradshaw (Millwall), Luke Harris (Fulham).
Changing of the guard
Page is expected to announce the new captain of the men’s side at a press conference at 1:30pm.
Wales’ record appearance maker, all-time top scorer and World Cup captain Gareth Bale announced his retirement on January 9, leaving an unforgettable legacy but also questions about who could fill the void.
With 108 caps, Wayne Hennessey is the most experienced player in this squad, but Page may prefer to entrust the armband to somebody who is guaranteed to play a key part on the pitch – defender Ben Davies (77 caps), midfielder Aaron Ramsey (78) or even Ethan Ampadu, who already has 41 caps at the age of 22.
FA Wales have been keen to emphasise that Page’s selection marks the beginning of a new era. As well as new players, Page’s regime should get a jolt with the recruitment of Manchester United first team coach Eric Ramsay and Aston Villa’s Nick Davies, who becomes Head of Performance.
Wales head to Croatia on March 25 and face Latvia at the Cardiff City Stadium on March 28.
