Wales name teenager Andrews, but suffer Ramsey blow

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The unexpected selection of the 18-year-old midfielder occurs as captain Aaron Ramsey is sidelined once more due to a hamstring injury sustained on Tuesday, leading to Tom Lawrence's return to the squad.

Andrews, who has played for Wales Under-19s, is currently on loan at Motherwell from Coventry City.

Since joining in January, he has only made three league starts for the Scottish Premiership team, but he left a strong impression during their victory over Rangers earlier this month where he played the entire match.

Ramsey, the 34-year-old Cardiff City midfielder, was anticipated to come back to the Wales team for the first time since last September but had to leave the pitch during his club's 2-1 loss to Luton Town.

Wales was already missing two key players, with Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu and Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson both out due to injuries.

Ipswich Town winger Wes Burns and Sheffield United left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies are also unavailable, although Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper has recovered from his injury.

Lawrence will participate for the first time under Craig Bellamy, following his last appearance for the national team in March 2021.

Wales is set to kick off their qualifying journey for the 2026 World Cup at home against Kazakhstan on Saturday, March 22, before heading to North Macedonia three days later.

In addition to Kazakhstan, Wales has been drawn in Group J with Belgium and Liechtenstein.

The first place from each of the 12 European groups will qualify directly for the World Cup, which is due to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the teams finishing in second will enter the playoff rounds.

Bellamy remains unbeaten in his role as Wales head coach, boasting a record of three victories and three draws in 2024, leading the team to ascend to the top tier of the Nations League.

Securing their Nations League group almost ensures that Wales will have at least a playoff spot for World Cup qualification.

With a new, dynamic style of play established and early successes in place, Bellamy’s next objective is to guide Wales to what would mark only their third World Cup appearance in history.

Despite an illustrious playing career and serving as captain of Wales, he never had the opportunity to compete in a major tournament with his country.

Now, he aspires to achieve that long-held dream in his first senior management position.

Wales squad

Goalkeepers: Danny Ward (Leicester City), Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United).

Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Chris Mepham (Sunderland, on loan from Bournemouth), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City).

Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan James (Stade Rennais), Ollie Cooper (Swansea City), Kai Andrews (Motherwell, on loan from Coventry City), Sorba Thomas (Nantes, on loan from Huddersfield Town), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Tom Lawrence (Rangers).

Forwards: Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel James (Leeds United), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich Town), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Stoke City, on loan from Liverpool), Rabbi Matondo (Hannover 96, on loan from Rangers).