I thought I'd post this on your board as it is the busiest of the welsh teams. I've often thought of the great players that never got to play at a major tournament, such as the World Cup. That list inevitably includes a number of welsmen, who have been great individuals but, unfortunately not part of a great side overall. So I thought I'd try and come up with a side that could qualify and compete at the World Cup, if only they had all been around at the same time! I've got an XI plus a bench of seven, comprising of a goalie, and 2 each of defenders, midfielders and strikers. I'm sure you can do a lot better than me, so I'd be interested in what changes you would make to my team. Here it is [4-4-2]: Neville Southall Kevin Ratcliffe Leighton Phillips Joe Ledley Joey Jones Gareth Bale Ryan Giggs Gary Speed Mickey Thomas Ian Rush Mark Hughes Bench Dai Davis Andy Meville Peter Rodrigues Terry Yorath Robbie Savage Dean Saunders John Toshack What do you think? A team that would qualify?
Good idea actually, though I'm sure most would include John and Mel Charles, Ivor Allchurch maybe even our own Ash Williams
I initially put Ivor Allchurch in the team but he is not eligible as he played in the 1958 World Cup.
The majority of those named would conceivably be automatic choices if playing in same era,but,Mike England,and his grandmother, would surely be preferred choices ahead of Phillips and Ledley. There are several players from previous era's who would also be worthy of consideration,viz,Roy Paul,Ray Daniel,Trevor Ford. Then there's the likes of Leighton James and Alan Curtis. One thing is clearly evident,that Wales has had extremely talented players down the years,but names on a sheet don't necessarily translate into anything of real substance on the pitch. Wales have invariably flattered to deceive,and I don't see that changing any time soon.
