Daniel James Returns to Wales Squad for Final Nations League Fixtures
Daniel James has made his return to the Wales senior team, marking his first call-up under new head coach Craig Bellamy after missing the first four games of the Nations League campaign through injury. The 26-year-old Leeds United winger joins Cardiff City's Rubin Colwill in a 26-player squad for the pivotal final Nations League matches against Turkey and Iceland.
05 NOV
Key Points from the Squad Announcement:
-
Daniel James' Comeback:
After missing September's fixtures with Turkey and Montenegro, and the trip to Iceland and home clash against Montenegro last month due to a hamstring injury, James is back in contention. He made his Leeds return on October 18 and has impressed recently, scoring in their 3-0 win over Plymouth on Saturday. -
Rubin Colwill's Inclusion:
The 22-year-old midfielder is back in the senior setup following his strong performances with Cardiff City under interim boss Omer Riza. Colwill was part of Wales' 2022 World Cup squad but was initially omitted from Bellamy's first senior team selection in September. -
Aaron Ramsey, Ethan Ampadu & Ollie Cooper's Absence:
Former captain Aaron Ramsey remains sidelined due to a hamstring issue sustained in Wales' 2-1 win over Montenegro in September. Additionally, both Ethan Ampadu and Swansea's Ollie Cooper are unavailable due to injuries. -
Joe Allen's Role:
Joe Allen retains his spot despite returning from international retirement, having come on as a second-half substitute in last month’s friendly against Cardiff City. -
Goalkeeping Change:
Tom King of Wolverhampton Wanderers has been recalled as a backup goalkeeper in place of Sheffield United’s Adam Davies.
Milestone for Joe Rodon
Leeds defender Joe Rodon is set to earn his 50th international cap for Wales if he features in both matches this month.
Harry Wilson's Form:
Fulham’s Harry Wilson, who scored two stoppage-time goals against Brentford in a thrilling 2-1 win, is also part of the squad. Despite limited Premier League appearances this season—only six as a substitute—his inclusion underlines Bellamy's approach to managing players with reduced playing time domestically.
Context for the Matches:
Bellamy has managed an impressive unbeaten start since taking over as Wales' head coach, with wins against Montenegro and a 2-2 draw in Iceland. Now, the team faces two crucial games:
- Against Turkey in Kayseri on November 16: A victory could seal promotion to Nations League A if they maintain their current form.
- Against Iceland in Cardiff three days later: A decisive home match to complete their campaign.
Wales' promotion to the A division hinges on their performances in these fixtures. While winning the group remains within their control, failure to do so could see them depend on a March play-off for promotion or avoid relegation depending on their final standings.
Wales Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers:
- Danny Ward
- Karl Darlow
- Tom King
Defenders:
- Rhys Norrington-Davies
- Owen Beck
- Ben Davies
- Ben Cabango
- Joe Rodon
- Chris Mepham
- Connor Roberts
- Neco Williams
Midfielders:
- Jordan James
- Rubin Colwill
- Josh Sheehan
- Joe Allen
- Harry Wilson
- David Brooks
- Daniel James
- Sorba Thomas
- Wes Burns
Forwards:
- Brennan Johnson
- Kieffer Moore
- Mark Harris
- Nathan Broadhead
- Lewis Koumas
- Liam Cullen
Bellamy's Progress and Goals:
Craig Bellamy has built momentum following his appointment, delivering an unbeaten record and fostering optimism as Wales gear up for these decisive fixtures. A victory against Turkey would strengthen their position to secure automatic promotion, while alternative routes to promotion remain a possibility.
