Leeds United winger Daniel James has become the latest Whites player to be called up by their national team after being named in the Wales squad for their upcoming World Cup play-off match. Rob Page’s side are set to face Austria next Thursday at the Cardiff City Stadium in a one-legged semi-final.
The winner of that tie are set to face either Scotland or Ukraine in the final of that play-off section, however due to the ongoing invasion of the latter by Russia, that match has been postponed, with no date having yet been rescheduled. Wales finished second in their World Cup qualification group behind only Belgium, pipping Czech Republic to a play-off position by just one point.
James played a crucial role in helping Wales secure their passage into the semi-finals, playing 90 minutes in all but one of their eight group matches. The 24-year-old netted goals in both the home and away fixtures against the Czech Republic, including the only goal in a crucial 1-0 win during the game on home soil.
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With first choice striker Kieffer Moore absent due to injury, manager Rob Page has opted against naming a recognised striker in his squad. That could see James leading the line like he has done so often for Leeds this season, deputising for Patrick Bamford, who has missed the majority of the season with a number of different fitness issues.
James is now the third Leeds player to receive a call-up for his country ahead of the upcoming international break, following Stuart Dallas and Raphinha, who are set to represent Northern Ireland and Brazil respectively.
