Wales qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which was their first World Cup appearance since 1958. Getting there was an achievement in itself, especially for the older generation of Welsh players.
Joe Allen has played a huge role in Wales’ recent success story. Alongside the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, the experienced Allen has helped the Dragons to reach three of the last four major tournaments.
Can Wales Qualify For Euro 2024?
After a memorable time in Qatar, Wales can now turn their attention to qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024. Betting is already live for the Euros, and Rob Page’s men are currently priced at 100/1 to lift the trophy in Germany. A new customer betting offer is available, and backing the Welsh to qualify for the Euros could be a choice punters might consider.
Allen was part of the Wales team that reached UEFA Euro 2016. They caused a few upsets along the way in France, eventually missing out on a place in the final after a semi-final defeat to Portugal.
They were also involved in UEFA Euro 2022. The Dragons once again got past the group stage, but were knocked out by Denmark in the last 16.
Wales qualified for the 2022 World Cup, seeing off Ukraine in a memorable play-off final at the Cardiff City Stadium back in June. It was the first time they had qualified for a World Cup, as they only reached the 1958 tournament via an invite due to politics.
A Huge Part of Wales’ Midfield
Allen has been a huge player for his nation over the last decade or so. The former Liverpool ace made his Wales debut in 2009, which was right at the very start of this golden era for Welsh international football.
The Carmarthen-born star has racked up almost 75 appearances since then and has become a key part of Wales’ midfield. Allen came off the bench against Iran in the World Cup and started the final group game against rivals England.
We have had to wait 64 years for this moment to tell the world who we are.
Our language. Our culture.
Our history. Ein Wal Goch.
We’ve done that. Together.
Cymru. Ar Ben y Byd.
Allen is one of the few players approaching the latter stages of his international career. He would have just turned 33 by the time Wales kick off their UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign with a trip to Croatia in March 2023.
Still, Allen has a lot to give the Welsh national side as well as club team Swansea City going forward. The 32-year-old moved back to Swansea for the start of the 2022-23 EFL Championship season, though injury has halted his momentum.
“We have to respect the form of Coventry City.”
Joe Allen and Swansea City head to Coventry City confident in their ability,
but well aware of the test the in-form Sky Blues will pose.
Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) December 15, 2022
2023 is set to be a big year for Allen. Wales begin another European Championship qualifying campaign, while the Swans seek promotion back to the Premier League.
He may be on the wrong side of 30, but Allen will no doubt remain a huge player for Wales and Swansea as we enter a busy 2023 in the footballing world.
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