UEFA Nations League

ROBERT PAGE believes Wales are stronger now than when Gareth Bale secured qualification for the World Cup 21 months ago.Superstar Bale led the Dragons to a first global finals since 1958 with the play-off final winner against Ukraine in Cardiff.Bale led Wales to the 2022 World Cup with a play-off final winner over UkraineCredit: ReutersNeco Williams scored a superb free-kick in Wales’ 4-1 win over Finland to set up Tuesday’s final against Poland in CardiffCredit: APBut Page, who has lost key men Bale and Joe Allen to retirement since Qatar, is adamant Wales are in a better position to win Tuesday’s Euro 2024 play-off final with Poland.SunSport assesses five key factors in Wales’ development since the World Cup…1 – LIFE AFTER BALEWales were often accused of being a one-man team in talisman Bale – and rightly so.The 111-cap star scored twice in the play-off semi against Austria and then netted the winning free-kick in the 1-0 success over Ukraine.REAQD MORE TOP STORIESEven at the World Cup, Bale netted the Dragons’ only goal and his last of his 41 tally for his country with a penalty against USA.If Wales’ Plan A was Bale, now Page has a Plan A and B because of the competition for places.Brennan Johnson, Harry Wilson and David Brooks started against Finland.But the Dragons boss has the options of Kieffer Moore, Dan James and Nathan Broadhead if he wants to tweak it.Most read in Euro 2024When asked if Wales are now stronger than June 2022, Page said: “Yes, I’d say so. When you lose Gareth’s ability from the Ukraine game you are going to miss it.Charlie Adam on watching golf with Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish instead of transfer talks“But you have to balance that out with the young lads who have come in and are learning and gaining experience.“We’re in a healthy position because all the outfield players are playing and we’ve competition for places.“H (Harry Wilson) is doing really well in the Premier League, same goes for Brennan. Brooksy has been outstanding in the Championship.“DJ is playing really well at club level, scoring goals and full of confidence. That’s why he has the impact he does when he comes off the bench.“It’s the same with Nathan Broadhead, who is playing well at the top of the Championship and scoring goals and then you have Kieffer. “They are different profiles of player and give the opposition different challenges to deal with.”2 – NEED FOR SPEEDPage’s buzz word following the dire showing at the World Cup was athleticism.Midfield was a huge problem for Wales as USA, Iran and England all exposed their 3-4-3 system.Aaron Ramsey was off the pace while Joe Allen came into the tournament with a hamstring injury which limited him to a cameo role.Shining light Ethan Ampadu has grown since leaving Chelsea for Leeds, where he is captain. The 23-year-old, who won his 50th cap against Finland, has been joined in the engine room by Jordan James.Birmingham’s rising star, 19, has been a revelation since his debut in Croatia a year ago, impressing in each of his nine caps. The new combination have the energy and aggression to protect the defence but also possess quality on the ball.Up top, Bale’s lack of game time at LAFC caught up with him as his Wales career ended at half-time against England with a muscle injury. Replacement Johnson has pace to burn.Johnson, Wilson and David Brooks provided a mobile front three against Finland and with the energy in midfield behind, Wales look a fresher team.Scorer David Brooks celebrates with Connor Roberts, Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson & Co as Wales showed new liveliness up frontCredit: RexPage added: “We’re in a different position. The gap in the World Cup play-off suited and helped us because we had senior players who weren’t even playing at club level in Aaron and Gareth.“If it had been four or five days later we might have struggled a little bit.“Now we have a younger, fitter squad with players playing regularly.  We like the threat with Brennan in behind with pace.“There’s not a defence in Europe now who wants to play against Brennan with his constant threat.” 3 – NO RAM RAIDRamsey remains Wales captain and the Cardiff midfielder, 33, fought off a calf injury to make Page’s squad for the play-offs.But Page did not even need to bring the 84-cap star off the bench versus the Finns.In the past, Wales relied on superstars Bale and Ramsey but the emergence of younger talent means there is no reliance on a star name anymore.Page said: “The difference is the tides have changed now. We don’t need to get him on the pitch. “It would have been nice but we don’t need to because we have others who are playing well.” 4 – CAP ACCUMULATIONInternational caps bring experience and Ampadu and Dan James both won their 50th caps last Thursday.Page praised predecessors Chris Coleman and Ryan Giggs for their help in developing the next generation.Page said: “Cap accumulation is really important to us. We have senior but young players if that makes sense. “Ethan winning his 50th cap at the age of 23, DJ is a young lad at 26 and he’s on 50 too.“I thank the previous managers for giving the likes of Ethan and Dan their debuts so many years ago. We are reaping the rewards of it now.”5 – HOME RULEWales have lost just three of 22 home internationals under Page since he replaced Giggs in November 2020.Home advantage was key in World Cup qualification and the Dragons hope the same factor in front of a passionate, sell-out Cardiff City Stadium crowd will roar them to Germany.Page said: “The supporters play a massive part but it’s also our level of performance. “When we play like we did against Croatia and Turkey in Cardiff and replicate that performance – the result will take care of itself.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no more motivation needed than a win to qualify for the Euros in Germany. “We’ve been there, picked the hotel, we’ve got the training ground and we’re ready to go. We’ve got one more game to get across the line.” More

RHYS IFANS fired up Wales ahead of their crunch Euro 2024 play-off with a motivational rallying cry.The Welsh actor joined the squad on Monday night at the Vale of Glamorgan HQ on the outskirts of Cardiff as Robert Page’s men prepare for Thursday’s semi-final with Finland.Ifans delivers his stirring message to the squadCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruWelsh actor Ifans staring in the 1999 film Notting HillCredit: Notting HillThe Hollywood star tucks in with the teamCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruIfans poses with Ramsey ahead of the Finland gameCredit: https://twitter.com/CymruIfans, best known for his roles in Notting Hill, Twin Town and The Amazing Spider-Man, was pictured eating soup with Ben Davies and Connor Roberts.He also posed for pictures with Page’s squad including Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey, Wayne Hennessey and Harry Wilson.Ramsey posted his pic with Ifans on Instagram: “What a way to start the week. Rhys, thank you very much for your time tonight.”Wales previously invited actor Michael Sheen into their camp in September 2022 ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHollywood actor Sheen’s rallying World Cup cry on TV programme ‘A League of Their Own’ went viral with more than 13 million views.Ramsey returned from a calf injury in Cardiff’s 2-0 South Wales derby defeat to Swansea on Saturday and underwent his own programme on Monday.Page will give an update on his fitness at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.Leeds’ Dan James arrived to join the squad late on Monday night after being given extra time to be with his family by boss Page. Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFive celebs that could have been professional athletes including mega movie star and a member of the royal familyHis partner gave birth to their second child last Thursday. More

ETHAN AMPADU is taking inspiration from Chelsea legends John Terry and Didier Drogba as he chases a ticket to the Euro 2024 finals spot with Wales.The Leeds captain is set to win his 50th cap at just the age of 23 in Thursday’s play-off semi-final against Finland in Cardiff.John Terry was back at Cobham as he trained alongside Ethan Ampadu and Karen CarneyCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26Ampadu has already played at a Euros and World Cup but wants a third tournament experience in GermanyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAaron Ramsey is Wales’ leader but boss Robert Page hailed Ampadu last week as a “future skipper”.Ampadu reverts back to a support act with his country rather than captain at club level and says his childhood Blues heroes of Terry and Drogba are driving him to lead by example on the pitch.Ampadu said: “Growing up as a Chelsea fan, I would look up to John Terry and Didier Drogba, “I was fortunate I was able to watch those two.Read More football news“Didier wasn’t a captain like John was. It was the way he led the team through his performance rather than wearing the armband. “Being a leader comes naturally to me. Because of the position I play, either as a midfielder or defender, you’re in the middle of the pitch. You try and help the team whichever way you can.”Ampadu, who left Stamford Bridge for Elland Road in a £7m deal last summer, is ready to reach his international half-century at the same age as England duo Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen.He was introduced to the Wales squad as a 15-year-old by Chris Coleman before Euro 2016.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAmpadu then made his senior debut against France in November 2017.The versatile ace plays centre-back for Leeds but central midfield for Wales.Gareth Bale takes up brand new sport in retirement from football and former world No2 is impressedBut he would swap his personal night of celebration where he becomes the youngest Welsh player to reach 50 caps ahead of Chris Gunter for a third successive Euros final place for the Dragons.Ampadu added: “It’s nice to reach the milestone. It’s a massive achievement. “I’m still young, but I’ve experienced a lot which I’m very grateful for.”I’m hoping that even if people say I’ve been around forever that I’ve still got a long way to go in the game and I can achieve a lot more.”But if it meant I didn’t reach 50 caps and we got to the Euros, I would probably enjoy that more. It’s massive for us.”Ampadu has led Leeds to the top of the Championship above Leicester following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Millwall.But he suffered three successive relegations during loan spells at Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia – prompting cries he was cursed.Ampadu laughed at the online headlines: “I had that a lot!But what has he learnt from the low times to help Daniel Farke’s high-flying side in their promotion quest?He added: “I still have the same dedication and application in preparing for games. “I’ve taken the feeling of three relegations and how much that hurt me. I was disappointed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have used that as a motivation to not have that feeling again.“It’s a lot nicer and more enjoyable when you’re winning. “It’s a different pressure but the mood is better and more positive when you are trying to win something.” More

NORWAY have launched their “masterpiece” of a kit – but fans all spot the same problem.Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard modelled in the brand new Norweigan outfit however the Scandinavian nation will not have the chance to wear it to the Euro 2024.Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland model in Norway’s ‘masterpiece’ international kitsCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetFans spot that the Scandinavian outfit will not be worn in the Euros this summerCredit: Instagram / @herrelandslagetNorway has revealed their new jerseys for Euro 2024, following England – the only difference is they will not be participating in the tournament.Teams from around the world have been unveiling their kits for the upcoming European Championship and Copa America tournaments this summer.And fans were left in awe after Norway shared their striking new home and away kits modelled by the Manchester City goal-scoring menace and the Arsenal skipper.As one fan said: ” Now this is a masterpiece.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut the others had to remind the Scandinavian nation they would not be wearing the shirts this summer.A supporter said: “No world cup or euro. This fine jersey just to play friendlies.”Another added: “These will look beautiful at the Euros… Oh wait!”A third then said: “Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard model eye-catching new Norway kit – but they won’t be wearing it at Euro 2024.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe home jersey boasts bold vertical stripes with the flag’s colour scheme of red, white, and blue, drawing inspiration from the iconic Harald Harfagre sword monument.The away shirt is a white jersey with flashes of blue across the front and back – said to be influenced by the northern lights.Both shirts also feature a new Norway badge, which is topped with gold motifs.’I was waiting for that’ – Jamie Carragher leaves Odegaard in hysterics as he reignites celebration row live on Sky SportsThe kits are one of the best fans have seen on the international stage in years – but it’s a shame they will not be seen in the European Championship this summer.Norway will be able to flaunt their new kits in the Nations League which will be held from September to November 2024 with the final rounds in 2025.The new Three Lions kits have also pleased fans with a polo-style collar making a comeback to the white jersey.And the away kit has caused a debate amongst supporters over whether it’s purple or blue. More