Wales announce World Cup play-offs squad after attempt to poach England youth star

Football
17 Mar 2026 • 8:08 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

  • Wales' attempt to persuade Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips to switch international allegiance from England has failed for now, as he is absent from their World Cup play-off squad.
  • Phillips, who has a Welsh mother and previously played for Wales at under-16 level, has since made over 30 appearances for various England youth teams.
  • Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a play-off semi-final on 26 March, with the winner playing Italy or Northern Ireland for a spot in the World Cup.
  • The Welsh squad is affected by injuries to key senior players, with captain Ben Davies, Chris Mepham and Kieffer Moore all unavailable.
  • Notable returns to the squad include Wrexham's Danny Ward, Rhys Norrington-Davies and Rabbi Matondo.

IN FULL

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved