It came from Gareth Bale ahead of Wales' group game with England. “I think we’ve got a lot more passion and pride about us than them,” he said. The then two-time Champions League winner essentially declared Wales wanted it more. England would go on to win the match, but Wales would top the group.
In hindsight his analysis was correct. The dragons had a spirit and togetherness England and many other sides lacked.
When Sam Vokes made it 3-1 to Wales against Belgium, guaranteeing progression to the final four, the players, supporters and coaching staff - which included a sports psychologist - erupted with joy. It was there for all to see. Passion: tick. Pride: tick.
Fast-forward five years and many are questioning whether Wales’ ethos from their last international tournament remains. Captain Ashley Williams retired in 2020 and manager Chris Coleman walked away after failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2017.
Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs was named his successor and despite no full-time managerial experience, and Wales Women’s manager , things got off to a rosy start with Euros qualification sealed early.
But in April 2021, Giggs was charged with actual bodily harm and common assault against two women, as well as coercive and controlling behaviour. Though he denied the charges in court, assistant Rob Page has been at the helm since November and will take charge this summer.
In Bale and Aaron Ramsey Wales boast two world class players most nations can only dream of. Problem is, the pair aren’t exactly having the season of their lives.
has had a frustrating campaign too. There have been very few starts for Juventus this term and the former Arsenal midfielder remains in the ‘needs to improve' camp. The stats don’t lie, Ramsey has averaged just 0.36 xG and 0.27 xA in Serie A this season.
But this is Wales, a team that prides itself on being greater than the sum of its parts. In the 2016 tournament Bale and Ramsey scored a combined four goals. Neither found the net after the group stages and yet Wales still managed four knockout goals.
To analyse Wales’ chances you need to examine their supporting cast. There’s a new generation waiting in the wings hungry for a first appearance at a major international tournament.
Moving to midfield and Cardiff’s , on loan from Liverpool, has had a fantastic 12 months, netting seven goals from an xG of 6.57 in the Championship, as well as producing 11 assists from an xA of 7.51. I expect him to be joined by Leeds’ in the final squad, a player who has played in midfield as well as his favoured up front position for his Premier League club.
And out wide, Manchester United’s may only have three Premier League goals this season, but he has been a superstar for Wales. The 23-year-old netted crucial, composed winners against Finland in the Nations League and the Czech Republic in World Cup qualifying in the last eight months.
If Wales were to go on another deep, historic run it is these tournament debutants, not Bale and Ramsey, who will provide the difference. The ability is there. Fingers crossed for pride and passion. Pob lwc.