Rodon absent as Ashford earns first Wales call-up

What the report says

Craig Bellamy has named Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford in Wales’ squad for their Nations League A matches, giving the 21-year-old his first senior international call-up. The squad was announced by BBC Sport Football ahead of Wales’ opening fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway, with Ashford included after a strong start to the Championship season and regular involvement for Cardiff this term.

Wales will be missing key centre-back Joe Rodon, who is ruled out with a hamstring injury. Fellow defender Dylan Lawlor is also absent because of a knee issue, while Cardiff’s Ronan Kpakio is unavailable too. Bellamy’s 28-man group does include several returning players, among them Harry Wilson, Jordan James, Ben Cabango, Mark Harris, Liam Cullen and winger Wes Burns.

The article says Wales begin the campaign in Lisbon against Portugal on 24 September before travelling to Denmark and hosting Norway and Denmark in Cardiff later in the run of fixtures. The games mark Wales’ return to the top tier of the Nations League and come during a difficult spell for the team, which has not won in four matches and is still seeking a first victory over a top-20 side since October 2023.

For context, BBC Sport Football reported that Bellamy’s staff has also changed recently, with two assistants leaving and former Wales captain Ashley Williams and ex-Swansea manager Alan Sheehan expected to step in. The squad reflects a mix of experience and emerging talent as Wales try to compete against higher-ranked opposition.