Cian Ashford earns maiden Wales call-up as Joe Rodon is ruled out

Craig Bellamy has awarded Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford his first Wales call-up for the team’s return to the top tier of the Nations League, but Joe Rodon will be unavailable for the matches against opponents including Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Wales will face Portugal, Denmark and Norway in League A, but they will be without first-choice centre-back Rodon, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Rodon’s defensive partner Dylan Lawlor is also absent from the 28-man squad after being ruled out by a knee problem, while fellow Cardiff defender Ronan Kpakio has also been left out.

Leeds United’s Harry Wilson and Wolves midfielder Jordan James return after missing June’s friendlies against Ghana and Romania through injury, with Swansea City defender Ben Cabango also back in the squad.

Mark Harris and Liam Cullen are included again, while 10-cap winger Wes Burns, now with Leicester City, receives a recall and could make his first Wales appearance since 2024.

Wales begin the expanded international break away to Portugal on 24 September, before a home match against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway is followed by two fixtures with Denmark.

Captain Ben Davies remains in the squad after being selected for the summer matches without taking part.

The 33-year-old defender had been out since suffering a serious ankle injury while playing for Tottenham in January, but has since returned to action for Spurs and is in contention for his first Wales appearance since October 2025, when he won his 100th cap.

Ashford, 21, has earned his opportunity after impressing during the early stages of the Championship season, joining an attacking group that also includes Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas.

Cardiff attackers Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill are unavailable through injury, while midfielder Kai Andrews misses out despite a strong start to his loan spell at Aaron Ramsey’s Oxford United from Coventry City.

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