Bale vows to be in ‘great shape’ for Qatar despite his limited game-time

WAYNE HENNESSEY did not mince his words. Never mind that Wales have not been to a World Cup since 1958, he believes there should be no limit to their ambition.

‘We’re going there to win,’ said the goalkeeeper. ‘What is the point of being in it if you are not going to win the whole thing. I know people will say we’re the underdogs because it is the first World Cup for this group of players but we’re not just there to make the numbers up.’

While Hennessey’s remarks will have raised eyebrows around the globe, nobody who faces Wales in Qatar should expect an easy ride, as England will discover on November 29.

By reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the last 16 at Euro 2020, Wales have shown that they are solid operators at major tournaments. Ahead of today’s Nations League meeting with Poland in Cardiff — Wales’ final match before their opener against USA in Qatar on November 21 — The Mail on Sunday looks at how Rob Page’s men are shaping up.

GARETH BALE

THE ‘Bales’ nickname Wales earned during Euro 2016 is unfair, but they are still hugely reliant on their captain. Now with Los Angeles FC, Bale has started only two of his 11 Major League Soccer games — but is still playing far more regularly than in his final season at Real Madrid.

With Bale in the XI, Wales are feared, and their players gain extra confidence. ‘We’re on a good path to where I want to be,’ said Bale. ‘We have a plan in LA and hopefully that should put me in great shape for the World Cup.’

SQUAD DEPTH

WHEN they have their best XI available, Wales are a strong side.

Bale remains a high-class attacker and despite a number of seasons struggling at club level, Aaron Ramsey has always delivered for his country. The same is true of fellow midfielder Joe Allen.

Page’s first-choice midfield involves Ramsey, Allen and Ethan Ampadu. If any of those are missing, Page has to consider two League One players — Joe Morrell of Portsmouth and MK Dons’ Matt Smith — and Jonny Williams, who is playing for League Two club Swindon. That drop in standard is hard to mask against top opponents.

TEAM SPIRIT

NO matter the opponents, Wales will run hard, maintain their shape and are happy to play long to striker Kieffer Moore when they need to.

During the build-up to Qatar, and during the tournament, there will be plenty of stories about different countries trying to calm rifts between players. It would be amazing if Wales were among them.

BRENNAN JOHNSON

THOUGH Nottingham Forest have had a difficult start to life in the Premier League, Johnson, 21, clearly belongs at the top level.

Whenever Bale retires, Wales will be looking for another attacking player to thrill, and although he has a different style, Johnson seems his the most natural heir.