Championship stars pushing to start for Wales

After crashing out of the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, Wales will be eager to make their mark in the upcoming European Championship qualifiers. With the Gareth Bale era over and several other players nearing the end of their careers, there is a widespread feeling that the national squad needs refreshing. Wales have a wealth of younger talent climbing the ranks, while numerous other players have already had a taste of international football without fully breaking through. With that in mind, we look at three Championship players who have been staking a strong claim to be included in the Wales starting XI at the end of the month.

Sorba Thomas
Thomas was part of the Wales squad at the World Cup in Qatar, but saw just one minute of action as manager Rob Page favoured other attacking players.
However, the Huddersfield Town winger has been making a strong case to receive more game time after producing some stellar performances on loan with Blackburn Rovers. His efforts have kept the Lancashire outfit in contention for automatic promotion, despite many leading bookmakers repeatedly writing off their chances in the last few weeks. The sportsbook listed in this Powbet review has started to take notice by cutting Rovers’ odds for promotion, highlighting the impact Thomas has made since joining them.

Oli Cooper
Many Wales fans were bemused by Page’s decision to leave Cooper out of his World Cup squad, but he looks a certainty to receive a call-up this month. Cooper has followed up his successful loan spell at Newport County by establishing himself as a key performer in Swansea City’s midfield. With Joe Allen recently calling time on his international career and Bale retiring, the 23-year-old looks primed to become an important member of the national team.
Cooper’s ability to play several different roles should boost his chances of establishing himself as a regular under Page over the coming months.

Ben Cabango
Wales have some talented centre-backs at their disposal, which may make it difficult for Cabango to force his way into the starting line-up.
However, his ability to play in different defensive formations should increase his chances of featuring during the European Championship qualifying campaign. The 22-year-old is a regular in Swansea’s defence, slotting in extremely comfortably regardless of whether they play two or three centre-backs.
Cabango remained on the bench throughout the 2022 World Cup, but he should feature more regularly as Wales embark on a new era.

[ Main photo embedded from FAW Cymru ]