Wales face a must-win match against Turkey in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign after suffering a shock defeat to Armenia. The Dragons lost 4-2 at the Cardiff City Stadium, leaving them third in Group D with four points, having played a game more than Croatia. A defeat to Turkey could see them slip further behind the top two in the group, who have been in Nations League action. Turkey are currently top of the group with six points and will prove to be stern opposition for Rob Page’s men.
Team News
Wales will be without Kieffer Moore after he was sent off for violent conduct against Armenia. Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson is likely to lead the line. David Brooks could also make his first start since 2021 after returning to the national team on Friday as a substitute. Meanwhile, the hosts are expected to start Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu despite the midfielder playing 90 minutes in the Champions League final. Turkey also have no injury concerns to contend with.
Match Facts
Wales have won four of their previous seven meetings with Turkey, winning the most recent game 2-0 in Baku at Euro 2020. Wales’ last away game against Turkey was in August 1997 in a World Cup qualifier – they came from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 in the first half, and also led 4-3 in the second half before eventually losing 6-4. Turkey lost 2-0 at home against Croatia in their first home European Championship qualifier of this campaign – they haven’t lost consecutive home qualifiers within the same campaign since losing to Poland, England and the Republic of Ireland in Euro 1992 qualifying. Wales have won just one of their last 11 matches in all competitions, with their 1-0 victory against Latvia in March also their only clean sheet in this run. Wales’ 4-2 defeat to Armenia last time out was the first time in 49 qualifying matches they’d conceded 4+ goals in a game, since losing 6-1 against Serbia in 2012. Including play-off matches, Wales have only failed to score in one of their last 18 qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championship, doing so in a goalless draw at home to Estonia in September 2021. Cengiz Ünder has been involved in 14 goals in his last 16 appearances for Turkey in all competitions, scoring seven and assisting seven. Brennan Johnson has been involved in four goals in his last six starts for Wales in all competitions, setting up Dan James’ opener against Armenia last time out.
What Has Been Said?
Wales boss Rob Page said: “We had a group meeting yesterday [on Saturday] and addressed what needed to be said, we’ve put it to bed and full focus is on the challenge tomorrow evening and we’ll all be ready for it. We have to bounce back straight away and all stick together. As long as we don’t get too carried away with positive performances and results like against Croatia, too disappointed with defeats and keep a level head we’ll come through the other side and be OK. What I want is a reaction from the players, and that is in the performance. If they do that the result will take care of itself.”
Coverage
The Euro 2024 qualifier between Turkey and Wales will take place on Monday, June 19 at the Samsum Stadium with kick-off set for 7:45pm. TalkSPORT 2 will have live commentary, with Ian Danter and ex-Wales midfielder Dave Edwards taking you through the action. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Conclusion
Wales face a tough challenge against Turkey as they look to boost their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024. After a shock defeat to Armenia, Rob Page’s men will need to produce a special performance to come away with a win. With Turkey currently top of the group, Wales will need to be at their best to secure a vital three points.