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“When I put that Wales shirt on something special happens”

15 Jun 2023 2 minute read
Jordan James representing Wales (Credit: Adam Davey, PA)

Phil Blanche, PA

Jordan James was born in Hereford and twice represented England Under-20s before choosing to play for the land of his father, the former Newport defender Tony.

However, any idea that he would represent England was curtailed the moment he stepped onto the pitch to play for the English youth set up.

“The opportunity was there with England and I wanted to try something new,” said James, who travelled and trained with the Wales squad at the World Cup in Qatar.

“It was nothing against Wales, I love the country to bits. The opportunity came, but I knew straight away when I stepped foot on the pitch for England it didn’t feel the same.

“My dad is Welsh through and through, he’s put it into me. When I put that Wales shirt on, something special happens.”

Wales new boy Jordan James (centre) and Huddersfield Town’s Jonathan Hogg battle for the ball. Photo Nick Potts PA Images

It certainly did in March as James had only been on the pitch a few seconds in making his Wales debut when Nathan Broadhead scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to deliver a 1-1 draw in Croatia.

Wales followed up that Euro 2024 qualifying bonus point by beating Latvia, and now aim to build on that promising start against Armenia and Turkey.

“The gaffer (Rob Page) has put a lot of trust in me, otherwise I wouldn’t be on the pitch in such a big game,” said James, who made his Birmingham debut at the age of 17 and has already made more than 50 senior appearances for the club.

“He’s really good with the young players. There’s a few of us like Luke Harris, Joe Low, Ollie Cooper, so that’s the next batch that will hopefully come through and be a part of it all.

“It’s more demanding in the seniors, there’s more eyes on you, but that’s what I’m here for.

“It’s where I wanted to get to and I’m trying to live up to it as much as possible.”


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Riki
Riki
1 year ago

Next batch page says, why doesn’t he play any of them then? They have to play eventually so you may aswell play them as soon as possible.

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