After joining up with the Wales camp last week following success with LAFC in the MLS playoffs, Gareth Bale confirmed he is prepared to play 90 minutes in all of their World Cup group games if he is needed, starting with Monday's opener against the USA, despite him only being a substitute for much of the season in the States.

He only started two of Wales' six recent Nations League games too, in which they struggled, but with Bale in from the start at these finals, their fortunes could be different.

Joe Allen has not featured in a Swansea City shirt since September, and the 32-year-old midfielder will not be risked for this one, as he aims to return for Friday's game against Iran.

Rhys Norrington-Davies will play no part in the finals, though, as his injury meant the Sheffield United defender missed out on the squad.

Wales' counter-attacking style will suit the pace of Daniel James out wide, so the Fulham man is expected to get the nod over a few talented Welsh attackers in the squad.

Harry Wilson is one of those expected to start on the bench but can be introduced if Wales are lacking creativity, while Brennan Johnson and Sorba Thomas can provide a threat as substitutes out wide later in the game.

They were selected in the squad ahead of Rabbi Matondo, who has struggled for minutes at Rangers, and Championship duo Tyler Roberts and Nathan Broadhead, who have been battling with injuries for much of the season.

Wayne Hennessey is favourite to start in goal for Rob Page's side after starting the last four internationals, despite the recent upturn in form Danny Ward has enjoyed at Leicester City.

Wales possible starting lineup:
Hennessey; C Roberts, Ampadu, Rodon, B Davies, N Williams; Allen, Ramsey; Bale, Moore, James

Click here to see how USA could line up for this fixture

Written by
Andrew Delaney