Daniel James Returns to Wales Squad for Key Nations League Fixtures

Winger Daniel James has been selected for a Craig Bellamy-led Wales squad, marking his initial inclusion under the current manager after missing the season’s initial four international fixtures due to an injury. The 26-year-old Leeds United winger will be accompanied by Cardiff City’s in-form midfielder Rubin Colwill. Both are part of a 26-player roster assembled for the concluding Nations League encounters scheduled for this month, away in Turkey and at home against Iceland. Wales, currently undefeated in four matches under Bellamy’s management, could secure a path to promotion to League A by defeating the Group B4 leaders in Kayseri on Saturday, 16 November, potentially confirming their advancement in their subsequent match in Cardiff three days later. Aaron Ramsey will continue to be unavailable, having been sidelined since early September with a hamstring issue sustained during Wales’ 2-1 victory in Montenegro. Ethan Ampadu from Leeds and Ollie Cooper from Swansea City are likewise out due to injuries. However, Joe Allen maintains his position in the squad after making a comeback from international retirement as a second-half substitute at Cardiff City Stadium last month. Bellamy has also adjusted his goalkeeping selections by making a single alteration. Tom King, the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, has been recalled as a reserve, replacing Adam Davies of Sheffield United. Bellamy stated that he “expected more” from Rubin Colwill given his age. James was absent from Wales’ initial Nations League fixtures against Turkey and Montenegro in September, as well as the away match in Iceland and the home game against Montenegro last month, all due to a hamstring injury. He returned to play for Leeds on 18 October and has since featured in the starting lineup for the Championship team’s last two matches, including scoring in their 3-0 victory over Plymouth last Saturday. Joe Rodon, James’s teammate at Leeds, is set to achieve his 50th cap for Wales should the defender participate in both upcoming matches this month. Colwill’s reinstatement into the senior squad follows widespread praise he has garnered amidst Cardiff’s improved performance this season under interim manager Omer Riza. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who participated in the 2022 World Cup, was not originally part of Bellamy’s inaugural Wales squad in September but was later elevated from the under-21s as a late addition. Nevertheless, he did not receive any playing minutes and subsequently returned to Matty Jones’ under-21 squad for the unsuccessful conclusion of their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign last month. The Welsh squad additionally features Harry Wilson, who netted two goals during stoppage time on Monday evening, contributing to Fulham’s 2-1 victory over Brentford. This marked only the 27-year-old Wilson’s sixth Premier League appearance this season, with all of them coming off the bench. This situation reflects Bellamy’s challenge in managing several squad members who have limited domestic playing time. The ex-Wales captain has elevated expectations due to his undefeated beginning as head coach since Robert Page’s dismissal during the summer. Following an initial goalless draw at home against Turkey, his tenure has seen victories both at home and away against Montenegro, alongside a 2-2 draw in Iceland. Although Bellamy’s team heads to Turkey with the opportunity to win the group still within their control, a loss would not extinguish their aspirations of rejoining the Nations League A division. An alternative path to promotion exists via a play-off if they conclude the group as runners-up. Conversely, a third-place finish would lead to a potential March play-off to prevent relegation. The full Wales squad comprises: Goalkeepers: Danny Ward, Karl Darlow, Tom King. Defenders: Rhys Norrington-Davies, Owen Beck, Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Connor Roberts, Neco Williams. Midfielders: Jordan James, Rubin Colwill, Josh Sheehan, Joe Allen, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Daniel James, Sorba Thomas, Wes Burns. Forwards: Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Nathan Broadhead, Lewis Koumas, Liam Cullen.