Edwards names Wales Under-18 squad to face England

Wales have picked their first under-18 squad in over 20 years, as they prepare to face England at the Leckwith Stadium this month.

Several players selected were part of the U17 side that qualified for last season’s UEFA U-17’s European Championship Elite Round, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Qualifying Round, they recorded an impressive 2-1 win against group favourites, The Netherlands. 

The u-18 side has been re-launched to align with UEFA competition requirements – the last time Wales played an under-18 fixture was a win over Latvia in 2000, with Neville Southall in charge.

One particular surname will be familiar with Wales’ football faithful – that of Charlie Savage, son of the 39-time capped midfielder Robbie, who plays for Manchester United.

Other Premier League academy players, such as Oli Ewing (Leicester), Jayden Raymond (Crystal Palace) and Ryan Viggars (Sheffield United) feature in Edwards’ selection.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the players and seeing their development. We take great  pride in seeing players take the step up to the senior team and we hope to see more of that across  the age groups. This group qualified for the U17 Elite Round which was unfortunately cancelled, but  wins in the qualifiers against big teams like the Netherlands show that it’s a squad that can compete.” – Rob Edwards

The full squad:

Credit – Chris Stonadge// FAW photo

Cymru U18: Max WILLIAMS (Salford City), Edward BEACH (Southampton), Harry JONES (Swansea  City), Keelan WILLIAMS (Burnley), Harry LEESON (Bristol City), Matt BAKER (Gillingham), Jay WILLIAMS (Fulham), Zac WILLIAMS (Crewe Alexandra), Tom DAVIES (Cardiff City), Taylor JONES  (Cardiff City), Oli EWING (Leicester City), Charlie SAVAGE (Manchester United), Joel COTTERILL  (Swansea City), Jayden RAYMOND (Crystal Palace), Lewys TWAMLEY (Newport County), Cameron  CONGREVE (Swansea City), Taz MAYEMBE (Cardiff City), Pat JONES (Huddersfield Town), Ryan VIGGARS (Sheffield United), Connor SALISBURY (Crewe Alexandra)

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