Will Tyler Roberts be handed Euros chance? Leeds United forward overlooked despite raft of Wales changes against Italy

LEEDS United forward Tyler Roberts is still waiting for his first minutes of Euro 2020 despite a raft of Wales changes against Italy.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Roberts started Wales final Euros warm-up match against Albania at the beginning of the month and played 71 minutes before being substituted for Gareth Bale as part of a goalless draw.

But 22-year-old Roberts has started all three of his nation's Euros group stages clashes on the bench and again failed to bag any minutes during Sunday's finale against Italy in Rome despite boss Rob Page making three changes to his XI and five changes from the bench.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Roberts has been deployed as a striker, attacking midfielder and a winger at Leeds but Page lined up with a front three against Italy of Aaron Ramsey of Juventus flanked by Real Madrid's Bale and Manchester United's Daniel James.

STILL WAITING: Leeds United's Tyler Roberts, right, pictured during a Wales training session ahead of Monday's Group A finale against Rome in Italy. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.STILL WAITING: Leeds United's Tyler Roberts, right, pictured during a Wales training session ahead of Monday's Group A finale against Rome in Italy. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.
STILL WAITING: Leeds United's Tyler Roberts, right, pictured during a Wales training session ahead of Monday's Group A finale against Rome in Italy. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.

Cardiff City's Kieffer Moore had led the line for Wales' first two group stage games against Switzerland and Turkey in which a 1-1 draw and 2-0 victory respectively put the Dragons on the verge of qualifying for the last 16.

Moore, who had been booked against Switzerland, was one of three players taken out of the side for Sunday's contest against Italy.

Tottenham defender Ben Davies and Bournemouth centre-back Chris Mepham were also carrying yellow cards and both made way as Charlton Athletic defender Chris Gunter and Chelsea's former Sheffield United loanee Ethan Ampadu were given starts.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wales then sealed their passage to the knockout stages through a second-placed finish despite falling to a 1-0 defeat as part of a contest in which Ampadu was sent off in the 55th minute.

With Wales already 1-0 down, Page made his first change five minutes later as striker Moore replaced Luton Town midfielder Joe Morrell as part of a tactical reshuffle.

Page then introduced another attacking option from the bench in Liverpool's Harry Wilson who spent last season on loan at Championship club Cardiff City.

Wilson came on for James with 16 minutes left and Roberts was still left on the bench despite a triple change in the 86th minute, including the addition of one more forward-thinking midfield option.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Roberts kept his seat as Bournemouth's attacking influence David Brooks came on along with Manchester United midfielder Dylan Levitt and Tottenham defender Davies as Liverpool defender Neco Williams, Stoke City's Joe Allen and star man Bale were taken off.

Roberts last featured in a competitive game for Wales when coming on as a 67th-minute substitute in the World Cup qualifier 3-1 defeat to Belgium back in March.

Wales are now through to the last 16 of the Euros but it remains to be seen if Roberts is called for.

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins