Wales Squad Announced for World Cup Qualifiers Against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia
World Cup Qualifier: Liechtenstein vs. Wales
Venue: Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz Date: Saturday, 15 November Kick-off: 17:00 GMT
Coverage: Live on iPlayer, BBC One Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app, along with live text commentary.
Ben Davies has been named in the Wales squad for their final World Cup qualifying matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia, despite being sidelined for the past month due to injury. The 32-year-old Tottenham Hotspur defender has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury during the match against Belgium on 13 October.
Davies is set to return for the away match against Liechtenstein on 15 November, with Wales then hosting North Macedonia in Cardiff the following Tuesday. He will continue to captain the side in the absence of regular captain Aaron Ramsey, who is missing once again due to ongoing fitness issues and has reportedly departed Mexican club Pumas UNAM.
In Ramsey's absence, Davies has led the team and is joined in Craig Bellamy's 26-man squad by fit-again Leeds United winger Dan James. The 27-year-old was unable to participate in last month’s friendly against England and the qualifier against Belgium due to an ankle injury. His replacement, Cardiff City’s Isaak Davies, has been dropped from the squad, while Cardiff City midfielder Rubin Colwill retains his position despite recent discussions among fans and pundits regarding his inclusion.
Wales is still missing several key players due to injury, including Burnley defender Connor Roberts, Wrexham goalkeeper Danny Ward, and Ipswich Town's Wes Burns, as they aim to finish their group campaign on a positive note. After a 4-2 defeat to Belgium, Wales's hopes of automatic qualification have diminished, and they must secure victories in their remaining matches to guarantee a runners-up spot in Group J.
Wales will face Liechtenstein, currently ranked 206th in the world and yet to score a point or a goal in their six matches, on 15 November. They will then host North Macedonia, who sit second in the group, three points ahead of Wales with a significant goal difference advantage. Belgium is on the verge of securing automatic qualification, needing just three points from their remaining matches against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.
Wales can secure a runners-up position by winning both matches. Alternatively, a victory over Liechtenstein by six goals or more would allow them to draw against North Macedonia in Cardiff and still finish as runners-up. Although Wales has already secured a play-off place through the Nations League, finishing second is crucial to avoid being among the lowest seeds and facing an away semi-final.
The draw for the play-offs will take place on 20 November, with the one-legged semi-finals and finals scheduled for March.
Wales Squad
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton).
Defenders: Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest).
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Jordan James (Leicester City - on loan from Stade Rennais), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City).
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Dan James (Leeds United), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham City - on loan from Liverpool), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham).