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

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  • 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.

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