MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 18:17:31| >> :60:1032:1032:

Daniel James: 'Wales will definitely be feared at the Euros'

Daniel James: 'Wales will definitely be feared at the Euros'
© Reuters
The Dragons open their European Championship campaign against Switzerland on Saturday.

Daniel James believes Wales' forwards strike fear into their Euro 2020 rivals.

Wales play Switzerland in their Euro 2020 opener in Baku on Saturday and interim manager Robert Page has plenty of attacking options at his disposal.

Manchester United winger James is a probable starter alongside captain Gareth Bale, while mobile target man Kieffer Moore, Harry Wilson, David Brooks and Tyler Roberts offer other attacking options.

Wales v Mexico – International Friendly – Cardiff City Stadium
Captain Gareth Bale (left) will be a key part of the Wales attack at Euro 2020 (David Davies/PA)

Juventus playmaker Aaron Ramsey could also be deployed in a 'false nine' role off Bale and James.

"For us it's just brilliant that everyone is involved," James said.

"I know the Euros was supposed to be last summer and everyone was gutted (they were postponed), but it's great for the players who are now all fit.

"We have a full squad this time and we're all raring to go.

Wales v Hungary – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group E – Cardiff City Stadium
Aaron Ramsey scored twice against Hungary to take Wales to Euro 2020 and could operate as a 'false nine' in the tournament (Nick Potts/PA)

"We will definitely be feared. Whoever is put on the pitch attacking-wise, we have a great group."

Ramsey secured Wales' place at the delayed European Championship by scoring both goals in a 2-0 home win over Hungary in November 2019.

But the 30-year-old has been a regular absentee for his country because of injury, featuring in just 19 of the 44 games Wales have played since Euro 2016 when the Dragons reached the semi-finals.

"David and Aaron have had injuries over the past two years but when they have come into the squad they have been unbelievable," James said.

"I've only played for Wales with Aaron once or twice and he scored two goals against Hungary.

"We play a little different than at club football and it's something I have grown into since I first came into the squad two and a half/three years ago.

"I work on shooting and crossing with both feet every day. In my early days I got a lot of my assists for Oli McBurnie at Swansea from the left.

"It's not something that's new to my game. It's always been there. Even for Wales I have played left and right.

"Me and Gaz (Bale) have played both positions before and, if we do play on either side, we are ready and we know our job and roles."

James was often on the periphery at United last season, making only 11 starts in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old speedster made 26 league starts the previous season following his reported £18million move from Sky Bet Championship club Swansea in June 2019.

James' last appearance for United was as a late substitute in the Europa League final defeat to Villarreal when he converted from the spot in the penalty shoot-out.

Manchester United v Watford – Emirates FA Cup – Third Round – Meadow Park
Daniel James (left) has not had as much game-time at Manchester United this season as he did in the previous campaign (Martin Rickett/PA)

"It was gutting for all of us really but, for me and a lot of the other players, it's not the end of our season," James said.

"In football you just have to get back up and get on with it. Thankfully we don't have to wait until next season to do that, we can go into the Euros and a different environment and look forward to getting back out on the pitch."

On taking a penalty in the Gdansk final, James added: "It went fine but I'd be lying if I didn't say I was a little bit nervous.

"I was confident to go and step up, you have to put yourself in those moments because it's going to happen in your career.

"You have to put yourself forward. Thankfully it went in the back of the net and it could be (useful) at the Euros."

ID:450707: cacheID:450707:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:10942:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Jonny Williams pictured in September 2019
Read Next:
Wales' Jonny Williams aiming to follow in Hal Robson-Kanu's footsteps
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!