Wales need to put their “big boy pants on”, says Rob Page
Wales boss Rob Page said he was left scratching his head after their defeat to Iran. In his press conference before England on Tuesday evening, he claimed Wales need to put their “big boy pants on” and show why they are at this World Cup. To the rest of the world, some may wonder how they got here.
Performances in Qatar are a world away from their qualifying campaign and the least the Red Wall deserve is a performance to be proud of against England. It’s a fierce rivalry which the Three Lions have dominated, winning the last six meetings, yet this tournament has been full of upsets. Sport can serve up wonderful drama, if Wales win and USA v Iran ends in a draw then the Welsh will still progress. The problem is Wales haven’t looked like winning at all this far.
Page said he understands the criticism him and his players have come in for, but he wouldn’t be drawn on who may be starting their final group game. I asked him if this is a chance for the new generation as it feels a shift is happening in front of our eyes. Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale looked way off the pace against Iran, they have been absolutely terrific for Wales over the years but this surely is their last World Cup and possibly their last ever tournament. Although Gareth Bale answered with a flat “no” when asked if this would be his last ever match in a Wales shirt.
Behind the scenes and going in to the training ground in the days following the Iran defeat it has felt different. Before that it was relaxed and jovial, and although they’re have still been smiles there was a huge air of disappointment when speaking to Joe Allen and Danny Ward. Allen may even start against England to hold down the midfield that has been missing for most of this competition, returning from injury he will struggle to do 90 minutes.
England possess such a strong squad with almost all of their players playing regular first team football. The same can’t be said for Wales but Page said England are beatable, yet the consensus from the Welsh media is his loyalty will not waiver too far from his usual starters. Something will have to change soon with one win in the last ten for the Welsh, and that was against Ukraine to win the match to send them to Qatar.
I’ve attended a couple of Wales fan events here in Doha, and the atmosphere after Iran was certainly different than before. That said there is such pride that this football team have literally put Wales on the map to the world. Tuesday evening is a chance to show what Wales are all about.