Wales captain Ben Davies didn't mince his words following his team's disappointing 2-0 defeat against England at Wembley Stadium, delivering a brutally honest assessment of their performance in this crucial Euro 2024 preparation match.
A Night of Frustration at Wembley
The Tottenham defender acknowledged that Rob Page's squad failed to capitalise on their opportunities against Gareth Southgate's Three Lions, despite creating several promising chances throughout the contest. "We had our moments where we could have scored, but ultimately we didn't take them," Davies stated with refreshing candour.
Missed Opportunities Prove Costly
Davies highlighted the critical moments that defined the match, particularly emphasising Wales's inability to convert when the game remained finely balanced. The defender's comments revealed a team acutely aware of their shortcomings against their more celebrated neighbours.
"When you play against good teams, you have to take those chances when they come," Davies explained. "We had a couple of good opportunities, especially in the first half, that on another day might have changed the complexion of the game entirely."
Building Towards Euro 2024
Despite the defeat, Davies maintained perspective about the bigger picture, noting that such challenging encounters against top-tier opposition provide invaluable experience ahead of major tournaments. The match served as an important measuring stick for Craig Bellamy's squad as they continue their preparations for next summer's European Championship in Germany.
"These are the games that test you and show you where you need to improve," Davies reflected. "We'll learn from this, analyse what went wrong, and focus on putting things right before the tournament begins."
Looking Ahead
The Wales captain emphasised that the team would use the disappointment as motivation rather than allowing it to diminish their confidence. With several months remaining before Euro 2024, Davies expressed confidence in his team's ability to address their deficiencies and arrive in Germany as a more polished, clinical unit.
"Nobody likes losing, especially in these derby matches, but we have to take the positives and keep building," he concluded. "This is all part of the process."
