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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Wales World Cup 2022 guide: Star player, fixtures, squad, one to watch, odds to win

Back at a World Cup for the first time since 1958, there is plenty of excitement in Wales going into Qatar.

They have enjoyed some memorable tournaments recently, particularly at Euro 2016 when they reached the semi-finals, and are dreaming of more history.

The stage feels set for Gareth Bale to be a hero.

Here’s all you need to know about Wales...

Coach: Rob Page. Initially interim boss, he led Wales to the last-16 of Euro 2020 and then qualification for the World Cup before taking over from Ryan Giggs on a permanent basis.

Captain: Gareth Bale. Wales, golf, Madrid - in that order. Time for the 33-year-old to step up.

Star player: Bale. Still has a knack of scoring when it matters most, as shown by his dramatic late goal as LAFC won the MLS Cup this month.

One to watch: Brennan Johnson. The midfielder has shown flashes of his talent in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest but he has more to offer.

Brennan Johnson scored twice in the first six games this season but has no goals since (Getty Images)

World ranking: 19th

Odds: 125/1

Best thing about them: Their travelling fans.

Worst thing about them: England fans will never hear the end of it if they lose to them.

Their prospects in three words: Eyeing the knockouts.

Fixtures (all times GMT)

November 21 vs USA (7pm)

November 25 vs Iran (10am)

November 29 vs England (7pm)

Squad in full

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies

Defenders: Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, Chris Mephan, 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

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