Wales managed an unreal 2016 Euros performance, and many fans will be hoping for more of the same this summer, with the same star players now integrated with some young stars coming through. It won’t be easy by any means however, as Wales are in one of the tournaments most challenging groups, alongside some heavily tipped sides, and furthermore they are being forced to travel quite significantly in comparison to some of the other nations, going through Azerbaijan to Rome in the space of a few days.

In this preview, we will talk about the team news, Group A and I will make a few predictions for the tournament. If you have anything to add, or want to share your thoughts on Wales’ chances this summer, head over to Twitter (@NextGoalWinBlog) and let us know what you think.

Team News

Surprisingly ahead of the tournament, it’s actually not the team news that’s a big talking point for Wales, but the managerial appointment, as of course Ryan Giggs has been forced to step aside, leaving Rob Page to take the reigns for the tournament. While Page is an experienced footballing man, this change could be an issue and something that may give Wales a slight weakness for the upcoming tournament.

In terms of the actual squad selection that Page has opted for, there is little surprise as all of Wales’ big hitters are included such as Bale and Ramsey alongside the exciting young stars such as Neco Williams, David Brooks, Harry Wilson and Dylan Levitt. Wales have a strong squad and one that contains some real gems to keep watching on the big stage.

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Leicester), Adam Davies (Stoke)

Defenders: Chris Gunter (Charlton), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Connor Roberts (Swansea), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Tom Lockyer (Luton), Joe Rodon (Tottenham), Neco Williams (Liverpool), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Stoke), Ben Cabango (Swansea)

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Juventus), Joe Allen (Stoke), Jonny Williams (Cardiff), Harry Wilson (Cardiff), Ethan Ampadu (Sheffield United), Daniel James (Man Utd), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Joe Morrell (Luton), Matthew Smith (Doncaster), Dylan Levitt (Manchester United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff)

Forwards: Gareth Bale (Tottenham/Real Madrid), Kieffer Moore (Cardiff), Tyler Roberts (Leeds United)

Group A

Wales find themselves in a fairly tricky group, however they will look to challenge for one of the 2/3 possible qualification spots as a minimum. In the group, they are alongside a revitalised Italy side who are back to being a threat under Mancini’s leadership, Switzerland who are always a challenging opponent, and on paper are about Wales’ level and Turkey who are actually many pundits’ and predictors outsiders for this summers tournament. Wales with some good performances should be able to beat Switzerland and Turkey in their 2 openers, which would leave the game against Italy with little/nothing to play for, however this is easier said than done, as Wales will be in Baku for the first two group games which is a very difficult journey to be making and leaves them with an almost non-existent chance of having fans inside the stadium.

They kick things off on June 12th against Switzerland before their second game takes place 4 days later on June 16th against Turkey before the final group game against Italy in Rome on June 20th which will mean in the 4 days between game 2 & 3 there will be extra travel for the Welsh side, further showing that they will need to be picking up early wins in the first 2 games to give them breathing space on the final match. All 3 games will be shown live on TV as will the whole tournament, so despite most fans having to remain at home for the fixtures, there will be plenty of support back home for Rob Page’s side.

Predictions

Wales fans may want to look away at this bit, as sadly despite discussing their potential to beat the group opponents of Switzerland and Turkey, it is going to be tough. I think that while they will get a result against Switzerland in the sides’ opener, this will be as much as they can manage, as the highly-tipped Turkey will be a bit of a force to be reckoned with, while facing a strong Italy side in Rome is bound to be difficult. Therefore, I predict they will achieve just 3 points which puts them out of contention for qualification out of the group. If they can pick up at least a point from the Turkey/Italy game then this will change, but I just can’t quite see it happening unless Bale hits the world-beating form he has been capable of before.

Prediction – 3rd place group finish with 3 points (1W vs Switzerland, 2L vs Turkey/Italy)

Betting

If you fancy Wales’ chances this summer to go all the way, then the current odds are around 200/1 so obviously outsiders for the tournament, however we have seen much more surprising things in football. On a more realistic/possible scale, to win the group they are 7/1 and to qualify from the group they are 4/5. If you have a feeling when they will exit the tournament, you could bet on that too as they are 5/6 to be out at the last 16, 7/5 to end at the quarter-finals, 7/1 to exit at the semi’s and 50/1 to be the runners up. Individually, Bale stands at 50/1 to be the tournaments top scorer, so again quite unexpected odds, but a good run of form could see the odds shorten drastically.

Be sure to gamble responsibly!