EURO 2020: Can Giggs get Wales fans dreaming like Coleman did in 2016?
- Joseph Cummings
- Feb 11, 2020
- 3 min read
Ryan Giggs turned Wales' fortunes around in a dramatic qualifying campaign to ensure they would be heading to a major tournament again, their second Euros in a row.
Having never played in a Euros before 2016 when Chris Coleman magically took Wales to the semi-finals, Giggs must now follow on from Coleman's almighty run in France four years ago.
Despite that incredible run, which ended when a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal knocked out the Welsh side led by Gareth Bale, Wales arguably have a better squad now than they did at the last major tournament they played in.
Since 2016, a number of breakthrough Welsh talents have made a name for themselves in Europe's top five leagues.
Liverpool's Harry Wilson has had a brilliant first season at Bournemouth, and despite the Cherries' languishing near the relegation zone, the 23-year-old has been a bright spark, netting seven goals on the south coast, including a special free-kick against Man City in August.
Also at Bournemouth, the injured David Brooks had been one of Eddie Howe's first names on the team sheet and his absence has been sorely missed. He made a lightning start to life in the Premier League, with the 22-year-old scoring a stunning goal against Crystal Palace to open his account before being named the club's player of the month in October 2018.
Overseas in Germany, Rabbi Matondo has been promising and has many Welsh fans excited to see him feature in the near future. The 19-year-old has represented Wales at Under 17 and 21 level, and this season scored his first Bundesliga goal for Schalke, after signing from Manchester City for £11 million last year.
Dan James had a stellar breakthrough season for Swansea and Wales in 2018/19 and although his January move to Leeds fell through in the eleventh hour, he earned a summer move to giants Manchester United.
He made a lightning start to his career at Old Trafford with a goal in a 4-0 win against Chelsea followed by a few more goals and bright displays, particularly in the first Manchester derby of the season where he caused all sorts of problems.
He is one of the first names of Giggs' team sheets and his rapid pace and eye for a goal make him a key asset in the upcoming tournament which like many others, will be James' first.
Lastly, Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu who is currently on-loan at RB Leipzig is another hot prospect. Like Wilson and Brooks, Ampadu has been a regular starter under Ryan Giggs and has been consistent as a defensive midfielder although he can also fit in at centre-back, where Wales' options are thin.
Being at a major tournament meant so much to the Welsh fans in France, and their vocal support inspired Wales to victories against Belgium (who they also beat in qualifying), Northern Ireland, Russia and Slovakia.
If they are to match the success of Coleman in 2016, the first job is to escape the group, where they face Italy, Turkey and Switzerland. It's is definitely doable but all three opponents have much more experience at recent tournaments than Wales.
It will be a tightly fought group but if the men in red can show the same passion and quality they have in qualifying, there's no doubt this team can go far once more.