Craig Bellamy has handed a first senior international call-up to Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford for Wales' upcoming Nations League A fixtures. The 21-year-old Ashford is among a 28-man squad that will face Portugal, Denmark, and Norway, but will be without first-choice centre-back Joe Rodon.
Rodon has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. His defensive partner Dylan Lawlor is also absent with a knee problem, as is fellow Cardiff defender Ronan Kpakio. Manager Bellamy has also opted against selecting Kai Andrews, despite the midfielder's promising start to the season on loan at Oxford United.
However, Leeds United's Harry Wilson and Wolves midfielder Jordan James are set to return to the squad after missing previous fixtures through injury. Swansea City defender Ben Cabango also returns, as does winger Wes Burns, who could make his first international appearance since 2024.
Captain Ben Davies retains his place in the squad. The defender had not played since suffering a serious ankle injury in January but has since returned to action for Tottenham Hotspur and is in contention for his first cap since October 2025. Forward Cian Ashford has been rewarded for his early-season form in the Championship.
Wales are set to face Portugal on September 24, followed by matches against Denmark and Norway. Their lowest world ranking since August 2014, 38th, sets up a challenging period of fixtures against top-20 ranked opposition.
Bellamy's backroom staff has also seen changes, with former captain Ashley Williams and ex-Swansea City boss Alan Sheehan joining the coaching team. These games mark Wales' first competitive fixtures since their penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the March play-offs, which ended their World Cup qualification hopes.
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Manchester United), Danny Ward (Wrexham), Tom King (Everton).
Defenders: Jay DaSilva (Coventry City), Jayden Lienou (Leeds United), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Connor Roberts (Burnley).
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan James (Wolverhampton Wanderers – on loan from Stade Rennais), Liam Cullen (Leicester City), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Leeds United), Sorba Thomas (Hull City), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Cameron Congreve (KVC Westerlo), Wes Burns (Leicester City).
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Brennan Johnson (Everton), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham), Lewis Koumas (Liverpool), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Dan James (Leeds United), Cian Ashford (Cardiff City).