Who got the nod from head coach Robert Page as Wales prepare for 2022 World Cup?
Wales will be making their second appearance at the World Cup in Qatar after a hiatus of 64 years.
They made their first and only appearance in 1958, ending their journey at the quarter-final stage after losing to eventual winners Brazil.
Talisman Gareth Bale was instrumental against Ukraine in the qualifying play-offs as Wales earned their ticket to the marquee international tournament following his winner in the first half.
Can Bale once again shine in Qatar and guide them to a better finish than 1958?
Wales have been drawn in Group B along with England, Iran and United States. Not the worst group to be placed in and if they can play to their potential, progressing to the knockouts is possible.
Here are the 26 players selected for Qatar…
ALSO READ:World Cup 2022 Group B: Fixtures, results, standings, squads & full details
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GOALKEEPERS
There is always a tussle for the starting berth between veteran keeper Wayne Hennessey and Leicester City keeper Danny Ward.
The latter stood between the sticks for most matches in the qualification stage, but a knee surgery forced him out for a considerable period and since then Hennessey has once again grabbed the number one position.
The 35-year-old has been the regular choice in 2022 and should continue with that role in Qatar as well.
Meanwhile, Page picked Adam Davies as his third goalkeeper for Qatar.
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Name
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Club
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Wayne Hennessey
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Nottingham Forest
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Danny Ward
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Leicester City
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Adam Davies
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Sheffield United
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DEFENDERS
Wales have a nice blend of youth and experience in the defensive department.
Tottenham's Ben Davies is responsible for organising the back-line and is likely to be partnered by Joe Rodon of Rennes and Chris Mepham of Bournemouth in a three-man defence.
Spezia's Ethan Ampadu is another solid centre-back option, but Page has been using him more often as a defensive midfielder.
Neco Williams should start as the left wing-back with versatile defender Connor Roberts on the other flank. The latter is expected to face stiff competition from Chris Gunter, though, who has over 100 caps for Wales.
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Name
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Club
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Chris Gunter
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Wimbledon
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Neco Williams
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Nottingham Forest
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Ben Cabango
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Swansea City
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Joe Rodon
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Rennes
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Connor Roberts
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Burnley
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Ethan Ampadu
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Spezia
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Ben Davies
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Tottenham
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Tom Lockyer
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Luton Town
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Chris Mepham
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Bournemouth
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MIDFIELDERS
Page has been using Ampadu as a defensive screener and the Spezia standout could partner with Aaron Ramsey, whose experience will be key in the World Cup.
A host of young talents in Matt Smith, Sorba Thomas and Rubin Colwill are raring to make their mark at the grandest stage of football, too.
Harry Wilson played a key part in the qualification process and got the nod in the final 26-man squad. Meanwhile, Joe Allen will like to prove his worth to Page once again after falling down the pecking order in recent months.
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Name
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Club
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Dylan Levitt
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Dundee United
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Matt Smith
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Milton Keynes Dons
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Joe Morrell
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Portsmouth
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Jonny Williams
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Swindon Town
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Sorba Thomas
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Huddersfield Town
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Rubin Colwill
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Cardiff City
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Joe Allen
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Swansea City
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Aaron Ramsey
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Nice
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Harry Wilson
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Fulham
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ATTACKERS
Led by their talismanic skipper Gareth Bale and supported by a number of younger players in Brennan Johnson and Tyler Roberts, Wales boast a talented front-line.
Dan James has been playing at the top level for many years and his form will be crucial for Wales in Qatar.
Kieffer Moore also has significant international experience under his belt and might be used from the start as the target man for Bale and James to move around.
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Name
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Club
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Brennan Johnson
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Nottingham Forest
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Gareth Bale
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Los Angeles FC
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Kieffer Moore
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Bournemouth
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Mark Harris
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Cardiff City
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Dan James
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Fulham
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