Three fixtures open doors for Welsh youngsters even if points and pride are at stake

The next round of international fixtures will be a massive chance for Welsh youngsters to show their worth due to the absences of Aaron Ramsey (one match) and Gareth Bale.

Ryan Giggs will have a few tough decisions to make, as the Men of Harlech take on England (friendly), Bulgaria and the Republic of Ireland (Nations League).

Firstly, it’s the return of Joe Rodon.

Giggs will have a selection headache at the back, but for all the right reasons. Wales haven’t conceded in this year’s Nations League so far thanks to the defensive partnership of Tom Lockyer and Ethan Ampadu.

Furthermore, Ben Cabango and Joe Rodon have been brick walls at the back for Swansea, in a back three that includes Marc Guehi, having only conceded one goal in their first three games in the Championship.

At right-back, Conor Roberts has been Giggs’ first choice since he’s taken over as Wales manager, but last time out, Neco Williams came off the bench and scored a last minute winner for Wales. Williams has also started three games for Liverpool this season in domestic competitions.

At left-back, nobody will be starting ahead of Ben Davies anytime soon. Chris Mepham also returns, while Rhys Norrington-Davies will be looking for his first cap. This round of fixtures will be a great opportunity to get Chris Gunter closer to 100 caps for Wales. With Roberts and Williams coming into the squad over the last couple of years, Gunter’s chances have been limited.

In midfield, the absence of Ramsey in the match versus England will be a massive blow for Wales as they look to get one over their rivals.

With Ramsey being one of Wales’ most influential players, it’s likely Giggs will bring Ampadu from the back to play in holding midfield with Joe Morrell to act as cover for the defence.

Having started against Finland in the opening game Nations League match, Dylan Levitt will be fighting to regain his spot in midfield. Levitt decided to leave his parent club Manchester United to search for first-team football and has since joined Charlton Athletic on loan. Brennan Johnson will be looking to get his first cap for Wales while Will Vaulks will also be looking to get back into the starting eleven after some solid performances for Cardiff City.

In attack, with Hal Robson-Kanu withdrawing today, Wales will probably be looking to include Tom Bradshaw, the only player to score in the league against Swansea City this season.

Undoubtedly, Kieffer Moore will be leading the front-line and hoping to continue his impressive international form. For the competitive matches, Wales will probably be playing Daniel James, Harry Wilson and David Brooks behind Moore with Jonny Williams coming on for creativity if needed.

Over the run of fixtures, Rabbi Matondo, Ben Woodburn and Tyler Roberts will be looking to impress Giggs, especially in the England match.

For normal people, they would see Wales’ matches as one friendly and two Nations League matches.

But, for the majority of Welsh fans, the England match will be the most important of them all, with Wales looking to beat England for the first time since 1984.

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