Wales have named their squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with 26 players selected for their historic tournament appearance.
Robert Page will lead the country into their first World Cup since 1958 after Gareth Bale and co. led a remarkable effort through the qualifying campaign. Bale, Aaron Ramsey and the old guard will now be joined by several younger faces in the squad that will face Iran, the United States and England in Group B.
The squad was unveiled in Page's hometown, Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley, in a special event to mark the first Wales World Cup squad to be named in 64 years. Notable absences include Tyler Roberts, who recently suffered a minor injury, Rabbi Matondo and Will Vaulks but Joe Allen makes the cut after being an injury doubt.
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Manager Page told BBC Radio Wales: “The worst part of this job is disappointing the ones that are not in the 26. The others I’ve not phoned to tell them they’re in, I’d rather them see it when you guys do as well.
“That’s going to be nice for them to see but on the other side of it there’s always going to be someone who’s disappointed.
“I’ve had a couple of uncomfortable conversations – some through injury, some through choice. We’ve got to move forward now and pick the squad that will go and compete and go and win us games."
All eyes will be on Gareth Bale, who recently inspired LAFC to victory in the MLS Cup. And Page said of his talisman: “Incredible again when he’s called upon. His athleticism to get the header.
“Ideally would we want him to play more minutes? Of course. Am I worried? No, because he’s shown time and time again that irrespective of how many minutes he’s played at club level he always comes in and has important moments in the game, whether it’s a free-kick against Austria or Ukraine.
“Big players step up for big occasions. We’ve said it with Aaron [Ramsey] in the past - Hungary at home when he got two goals for us - and it’s no different with Gareth.
“Opposing managers will look at the team sheet and if they see his name on the team sheet they know at any moment he can win a game for you."
Wales World Cup squad in full
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies.
Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Gunter, Neco Williams, Connor Roberts.
Midfielders: Sorba Thomas, Joe Allen, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Harry Wilson, Joe Morrell, Jonny Williams, Aaron Ramsey, Rubin Colwill.
Forwards: Gareth Bale, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Dan James.
