JONNY WILLIAMS has no fear of taking more videos of his Wales team-mates – even though England are likely to have the last laugh.
The Swindon midfielder filmed his Welsh pals wildly celebrating the Three Lions’ humiliating Euro 2016 last-16 exit to Iceland – and the phone vid leak via Wales’ WhatsApp group wound up England’s players and fans.
But, after Wales’ 2-0 miserable World Cup defeat to Iran, Gareth Southgate’s side could gain revenge by sending Williams and Co home in Tuesday’s Battle of Britain.
Wales must either beat England by four goals to book a knockout spot or grab a win of any margin and pray Iran draw with USA to advance.
When asked if Williams had learnt his lesson from six years ago and would not take more videos in Qatar, the 29-year-old replied: “No, I probably would!
“I put the video into the players’ WhatsApp group. There were a lot of people in the group – even players who weren’t in the final squad or injured or on holidays – but I didn’t realise how many people were in it.
READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
“Someone else must have leaked it from there. It would be nice to clear that up – I never leaked the video. I was just putting good memories in the whatsapp group. I got stitched up!
“But it’s important to enjoy it and take videos and pictures as long as they are not ridiculous. Hopefully things won’t get leaked this time.
“Careers in football and life are too short. That’s what I have learnt from having time out and coming back into the Wales squad.
“You have to enjoy every moment, have a good time and do my best every time I get called upon.”
Most read in Football
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
Williams admits he was ‘scared’ in the aftermath of the video leak at their team base in Dinard, France and worried about Chris Coleman’s reaction.
He added: “Cookie pretended to be annoyed and I was sweating. I was quite scared but then he told me he didn’t really care.
“He thought there were good videos coming out of that trip. I can laugh about it now and it was lucky we kept winning.”
Williams has 33 caps but feared his Wales career was over in 2017.
The ex-Crystal Palace and Sunderland playmaker said: “I try to be myself, have a laugh and enjoy every moment. When it’s game time, it is serious and our heads are on and focused. But camps can be quite long.
“I took a period out of the squad in 2017 and I believed that might be it for my Wales career and finished on 17 caps. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get picked again.
“It was a tough few years. I managed to go again, Ryan Giggs pulled me out of nowhere and I started crucial qualifiers.
“Now I’m on 33 caps and nearly doubled the number. It’s amazing how football can change. You can’t take anything for granted because it will soon pass you by and it will be Christmas.
Read More on The Sun
“It’s an amazing achievement to be at the World Cup when I consider my journey.
“And, even though I am playing in League Two, I still feel comfortable playing on the international stage. It wasn’t long ago I started and scored against Poland. That was my last appearance. It’s all I can do.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
