Hits and misses: Harry Wilson emerges as Gareth Bale replacement for Wales in time for manager Rob Page
Plus: Trent Alexander-Arnold’s performance against Australia in a hybrid right back role adds to Gareth Southgate’s options ahead of Euro 2024; Ryan Porteous’ heroics for Scotland in defeat against Spain gives Steve Clarke’s side hope for Euro 2024
Wilson ready to fit into Bale shoes
Image: Wilson scored both goals in Wales' vital victory
The sound of the final whistle was drowned out by the crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium. Rob Page turned to his coaching staff, who lifted him high into the dark sky. A huge outpouring of relief after a challenging week.
If there was any doubt who is in charge of Wales, and who really ought to be whatever happens next month, Sunday’s breathless 2-1 win in the capital silenced the speculation.
An emotional Page said afterwards when asked about his players’ commitment: “That’s never been in doubt. There’s been a lot of noise. Actions speak louder than words.
- Wales 2-1 Croatia – Match report
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- Euro 2024 Qualifying fixtures | Results | Tables
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“I’m sick and tired of speaking about my future, so let’s just talk about the lads and the performances. Young JJ [Jordan James] played like he’s a 30-year-old experienced professional against the best midfielder in world football.
Image: Wales came out and fought for Rob Page
“I’m so proud of them all. I get emotional at times as I’m just proud of them. We cannot wait for the next camp. We can’t ready to get ready for the next game.”
It was a coming-of-age performance from the 19-year-old James up against Luka Modric and, to a man, Wales were superb. Without the injured Brennan Johnson and Aaron Ramsey, Page made the right call in starting David Brooks over Dan James.
Actions did speak louder than words. His selection and his powerful statement of unity were both vindicated, and Harry Wilson showed he is ready to be the country’s new clutch player in this post Gareth Bale era. One down, two to go. Qualification is in Welsh hands. Roll on Armenia and the trip to Yerevan next month.
Ben Grounds
England understudies jostle but star roles not under threat
Ollie Watkins made his case with the match-winning goal. Lewis Dunk and Sam Johnstone produced goal-saving interventions. But as England’s fringe players jostled to take the understudy roles in this squad, the star players were not threatened by anything seen on Friday night.
Watkins, running beyond the Australia defence and striking a post in the first half, was a threat and showed off his attributes. But his battle is with Callum Wilson and Eddie Nketiah, not Harry Kane. He may be at the front of that queue to deputise for the England captain when needed now.
- England 1-0 Australia – Match report
- How the teams lined up | Match stats
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Following a big shake-up by Gareth Southgate for their friendly against Australia, Tim Thornton and Peter Smith discuss whether or not any of England’s newer faces performed well enough to turn Southgate’s head for future international starts.
Similarly, Dunk is likely to make way for Harry Maguire and John Stones, fitness permitting, when Gareth Southgate uses a more conventional back four, while Jordan Pickford remains the No 1 given his historical contributions during Southgate’s tenure.
But despite the likes of Levi Colwill, Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen also being on the pitch, none of England’s fringe or emerging young players seized their opportunity with enough substance to really make Southgate consider reassessing his plans for Tuesday night against Italy. If Southgate learned anything from this win, it would have been that.
Peter Smith
Hybrid Trent giving Southgate options
Image: Trent Alexander-Arnold
In the last few England squads Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name has stood out. He’s been listed as a midfielder, and against Australia many thought he would get another chance to shine in the middle of the park for England.
However, the Liverpool defender was named at right-back and from the very first whistle, it was obvious that he was stepping into midfield in the hybrid role he has performed for his club this season.
Image: Alexander-Arnold's cross played a part in Ollie Watkins' winning goal for England
And on a night where there few shining lights for the Three Lions, Alexander-Arnold’s ability and confidence on the ball gave Gareth Southgate something to think about as he starts to finalise his plans for Euro 2024.
With Southgate making numerous changes against Australia, who made life difficult in midfield with their organisation and pressing, England did fail to click into fifth gear, but that wasn’t for the want of trying, particularly Alexander-Arnold, who was always looking to get on the ball and dictate play.
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He did have a hand in England’s eventual winner with an accurate deep cross for Jack Grealish, whose shot was tapped in by Ollie Watkins.
It proved to be one of Alexander-Arnold’s last involvements at right back before he was moved into midfield for the final 30 minutes of the game. That is talent and versatility that could prove vital for Southgate come tournament time.
Oliver Yew
Is Kenny’s time up?
Image: Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny is under mounting pressure after a dismal Euro 2024 qualification campaign
Ex-Republic of Ireland international Stephen Kelly speaking on Sky Sports News on Stephen Kenny’s future as Ireland boss following their 2-0 home defeat to Greece which ended their Euro 2024 automatic qualification hopes:
“I think Stephen Kenny when he came in, there was so much goodwill, a manager coming from the domestic league, everybody wanted him to succeed.
“He had this mantra of wanting to rip up Irish football and play from the back with a possession-based style – that’s fantastic, it’s a great idea and it’s the way the game is moving on, but was it going to work? It hasn’t.
- Republic of Ireland 0-2 Greece – Match report
- How the teams lined up | Match stats
- Euro 2024 Qualifying fixtures | Results | Tables
“You look at Greece and look at the way they played, and they were comfortable in that game tonight. Ireland never really tested them, and they should have and they have players that are capable, but they just lacked a little bit of identity and forward thinking.
“Ireland went to four at the back, but there wasn’t any cohesion or inventiveness from the play.
“Going forward, I would think that at the end of this campaign that that’s probably it [for Kenny]. I’m not too sure he’s going continue on as the manager.
“I think they’re probably looking at candidates now to go forward, but there’s still a couple of games left. Could he turn things around? I would say that’s probably slim.”
Declan Olley
Sourse: skysports.com