Wales U21 seek stronger Belgium showing after last year’s 7–0 defeat

Wales Under-21s return to face Belgium on Tuesday with Matty Jones looking for a more disciplined performance than the 7–0 defeat in Newport last October. The qualifier in Westerlo kicks off at 7pm UK time on 29 September. Wales are fourth in Group I with six points from six matches; Belgium lead the group, according to the Football Association of Wales.

Discipline is the immediate test

Jones reported no fitness concerns after the opening training sessions. He wants Wales to manage difficult moments better, pointing to the dismissals and set-piece goals conceded in the previous meeting. “We can’t afford to have players sent off or concede set-pieces like we did last time,” he told the FAW. His assessment is that the players have developed physically and gained experience with their clubs. Tuesday offers a test of that progress against the same opponent, rather than proof in advance that the gap has closed.

Experience alongside new faces

Kai Andrews, Charlie Crew and Roman Kpakio bring senior Wales experience. Nine members of the squad have yet to appear at under-21 level, while nine are teenagers. Andrews, who played in the Newport defeat, said the players respected Belgium’s quality but were approaching the return match without fear. The FAW has not announced the starting line-up in this preview.

Two qualifiers remain

Wales finish the campaign against Austria at Caernarfon on Tuesday 6 October, with a 5.30pm kick-off. Belgium is therefore the first of two remaining opportunities to add to their points total. Jones also highlighted the progression of Cian Ashford and Cam Congreve to the senior squad. Results and that development pathway are separate measures of the age-group team’s work.