James backs Ampadu to step up and fill the captaincy void at Wales

Dan James believes his Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu would be a perfect fit to wear the Wales armband in the absence of usual leaders Aaron Ramsey and Ben Davies.

- by Kyle Newbould

James and Ampadu are among four Leeds squad members to be called up for Wales duty ahead of two huge 2026 World Cup qualifying matches during the November break. The pair have been joined by backup goalkeeper Karl Darlow and inform centre-back Joe Rodon.

Craig Bellamy's side face Liechtenstein and North Macedonia knowing two wins would guarantee them a playoff spot or maybe even automatic qualifying, should Belgium drop unlikely points.

Four points would also do the job, so long as they beat North Macedonia who are currently three points clear in second having played a game more.

Wales will have to navigate those high-pressure games without two key leaders, however, with Ramsey not in the playing squad while Tottenham Hotspur defender Davies has withdrawn due to a hamstring injury.