Euro 2024 Disappointment Can Spur Wales On To Better Things

After the agony of missing out on the Euro 2024 with a penalty-shootout defeat to Poland in the play-off final, the major competition this summer will be a tough watch for players from the Welsh national side.

However, there does appear to be plenty to be positive about with this developing Wales side under head coach Rob Page and better things might well be around the corner.

Wales Heartbreak Will Take Time To Heal

There’s no crueller way to be denied a place at a major championship than what Wales went through on March 26th. Poland, who are 4/1 in the betting on football to reach the quarter-finals of this year’s European Championship, battled to a goalless draw in Cardiff before the dreaded penalty shootout. Winning 5-4 on penalties after Daniel James saw his effort saved, Poland will head to Germany this summer, where the hosts are 5/1 with a bet on Euro 2024 to win the tournament. For Wales, it was a sad end to a qualifying campaign that was filled with highs and lows.

Having reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, many of this Wales squad have had a taste of this competition and will be devastated not to be heading to Germany. This squad also managed to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so reaching major tournaments has become much more familiar for Wales in recent years. For now, it’s back to the drawing board for Page and his team but there is cause for optimism ahead of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Welsh Contingent Heading Back To The Premier League

Looking at the teams already promoted from the Championship this season, there are a handful of Welshmen who look set to be playing in the Premier League next term. Champions Leicester City have Wales international goalkeeper Danny Ward in their ranks, while Ipswich Town have Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead heading to the top flight. Fellow Wales international Kieffer Moore also impressed on loan with the Tractor Boys and the experienced forward could see his move to Portman Road become permanent this summer.

Looking to the Championship playoffs and Leeds United have a substantial Welsh contingent in West Yorkshire, with four international players in their ranks. Connor Roberts and Joe Rodon are on loan at Elland Road, while James has enjoyed his best season with the Whites since making the switch from rivals Manchester United. David Brooks is at promotion-chasing Southampton on a loan deal from Bournemouth and could make the switch permanent should the Saints win the playoffs.

The more Welsh players plying their trade in the Premier League the better and the English top flight looks set to welcome a host of Welshmen into the competition for next season. Looking to learn from the disappointment of the last qualifying campaign and with more stars playing at a higher level, better times might well be around the corner for the Welsh national side ahead of the 2026 World Cup.