Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of this afternoon’s international match: Wales vs Albania. Today’s game marks Wales’ final international friendly and will be a valuable exercise for The Dragons before they face Switzerland in their opening Euro 2020 match on 12th June. Following a 3-0 defeat to France earlier this week, Manager Page has made it clear he plans to rotate his squad to ensure the players are fit for next week’s opener. KO 17:00 BST.
International friendlies
Cardiff City Stadium / 05.06.2021
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/match/football-header-bg-mobile.jpg)
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/sport/football/club/logo/300/3017.png){kind=logo}
/images.sports.gracenote.com/images/lib/basic/sport/football/club/logo/300/3022.png){kind=logo}
Live
Live Updates
:focal(140x151:142x149)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2020/04/28/2811917-58003384-310-310.png)
Updated 05/06/2021 at 17:51 GMT
16:31
Albania
Despite an encouraging 2016 campaign which saw them reach the group stages, Albania failed to qualify for this summer’s championships after finishing fourth in Group H. But Edoardo Reja’s side have recently boasted a strong run of form, having won five of their last six matches in all competitions. Today is likely to be a worthy test for Wales.
16:29
Wales
Most of Wales’ recent victories have come through solid defensive displays and narrow 1-0 scorelines. Today’s match has the potential to greet us with a similar result. With key players returning from injury, Page’s side will definitely be looking to gain some momentum ahead of next week, but squad rotation could provide for an interesting set up.
16:28
Albania
The absence of first choice goalkeeper Etrit Berisha and defender Elseid Hysaj leaves Albania short on experience at the back.
16:25
Wales
The FAW confirmed earlier that Neco Williams would be made available to play despite the full-back being sanctioned for a red card during Wednesday’s loss in Nice. Following their second half appearance against France, couplet Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies have also regained full fitness and make their way back into the starting 11.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2021/06/02/3144896-64453648-2560-1440.jpg)
Image credit: Getty Images
16:25
Wales
TEAM NEWS: WALES: Hennessey, Williams, Davies, Allen, Roberts, Ramsey, Ampadu, Norrington-Davies, Brooks, Mepham, Levitt…Subs: Bale, Wilson, Moore, Rodon etc /// ALBANIA: Selmani, Lenjani, Cekici, Djimsiti, Bare, Manaj, Kumbulla, Doka, Ismajli, Balaj, Abrashi…Subs: Sherri, Veseli, Harizag, Kallaku etc