Gunter's Euro 2028 challenge to U19 finals squad

Chris Gunter made 109 senior appearances for Wales between 2007 and 2022 [FAW] Head coach Chris Gunter says the upcoming Uefa Men's Under-19 Championship finals is an opportunity for Wales' players to showcase their talents with Euro 2028 only two years away. Gunter has named a 20-player squad for the tournament, which will start in north Wales later this month. Oliver Bostock and Jayden Lienou, who were both called into Craig Bellamy's senior squad for the recent friendlies against Ghana and Romania, are among those included. "For these players - and we know we're hosting in 2028, that's two years' time - their aim and opportunity is to try and force their way into that squad," Gunter said. "That's the challenge for them and the opportunity. "So the challenge for them to show how good they are against the best in Europe at their age is one that they will be looking forward to." Under-19s finals to 'whet appetite' for Euro 2028 Wales call up teenage Leeds left-back Lienou Cardiff will stage the opening game of the 2028 European Championships with Wales co-hosting alongside England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Bellamy, who is eager to lead Wales at Euro 2028, has shown his willingness to give opportunities to players in the two years he has been in charge. Among them Dylan Lawlor, Cardiff City's 20-year-old defender, who has progressed from the Under-19 side to becoming a regular for the senior squad and gaining six caps. "Even thinking back to a couple of the boys who were in the under-19s last season," Gunter added. "You look at Dylan now, who has gone on and he's playing and I think he's played the last four senior games. "It can change really quickly and move." Arsenal defender Brayden Clarke previously featured at Under-17s Euro finals in 2023 and 2024 and is the first Welsh player to be selected for three Uefa youth tournaments. "There was naturally always going to be a few big calls and disappointing people, not something I overly enjoyed," added Gunter, who succeeded Craig Knight as Under-19s boss. "But I'm really pleased with the strength of the squad we've got now. "It's something that has felt like it's been a long way away for a while and then really quickly now it's upon us. "I know the players, you know, they can't wait to get going." West Bromwich Albion's Oliver Bostock (left) and Jayden Lienou of Leeds United were both called up to Wales' senior squad for recent friendlies [FAW] Wales open the tournament against nine-time champions Spain at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground on Sunday, 28 June. Gunter's side will also face Germany and Denmark in Group A while Group B features Italy, Ukraine, Serbia and Croatia. "This tournament you're going to be playing the very best - there's only space for seven other teams," Gunter said. "In one way I don't really care who we're playing against, it's about what we are and what we do. "Playing those types of teams is a challenge, of course, but it's something that I want our players to experience and there's no fear or any sort of worries about who we're playing against." Wales Under-19s squad Luis Lines (Norwich City), Logan Stretch (Sheffield Wednesday), Stan Dancey (Crewe Alexandra), Brayden Clarke (Arsenal), Noah Williams (Cardiff City), Iestyn Jones (Swansea City), Luis Gardener (Everton), Jayden Lienou (Leeds United), Jac Thomas (Cardiff City), Makenzie Bradbury (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Charlie Stevens (AFC Bournemouth), Joe Lacey (Sydney FC), Rob Tankiewicz (Cardiff City), Elliot Myles (Norwich City), Cruz Allen (Derby County), Henry Kasvosve (Brighton & Hove Albion), Shea Pita (Everton), Oliver Bostock (West Bromwich Albion), Louie Bradbury (Manchester United), Adam Brett (Brighton & Hove Albion)