
Cymru are on the verge of making history as they prepare to complete their UEFA U21 EURO 2025 qualifying campaign on Friday, 11 October against Czechia at Rodney Parade, Newport (5.30pm).
With 14 points from seven games, Cymru are currently second in Group I behind Denmark and know that a positive result will either deliver a play-off place or automatic qualification for the finals that will take place in Slovakia next year. Cymru have never qualified for the U21 EURO finals, and head coach Matty Jones believes the success they are enjoying is deserved for the performances of his players during the campaign.
“I do feel that as a team we have grown immensely,” explained Jones when announcing his squad last week. “I’m really proud of the work that’s been done and the boys deserve to be in this position. We’ve earned the right to be on the verge of qualifying for something major and it’s great to be a part of it. Quite early in the campaign, the players really believed that we could achieve something, and they’ve gone on to prove that. We’ve got that one final step and we’ll be fully prepared.”
It was one year ago that Czechia and Cymru met in the reverse fixture at České Budějovice and it was an injury-time goal from substitute Cian Ashford that earned the side a valuable point in a 1-1 draw just minutes after coming on. “Ultimately, the message to the players and the preparation of the last couple of weeks has been about us,” said Jones. “We know how to be the best versions of ourselves and we’ve showcased that for quite some time now.”
Jones has the luxury of being able to name a strong squad for this crucial fixture with Rubin Colwill, Charlie Crew, Fin Stevens and Charlie Savage all included. The quartet have already experienced senior international football and Jones has no concerns over their mindset. “It’s knowing that the players are excited by opportunity,” he added. “Opportunity is to have exposure to play for your country and to accumulate more caps.
“I think the collaboration between both groups over the last couple of years has been really healthy. We’re in such a good place and we feel supported with that. We’re there to facilitate the needs of the senior squad, but at the same time, I think it’s important to recognise if there’s an opportunity for players. Rather than sitting in a stand or knowing that their game time is going to be very little with the seniors, of course we’re going to push really hard to give them that opportunity to play.”

The last time Cymru U21 played at Rodney Parade was back in March when teenage striker Lewis Koumas was the hero as he came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 2-1 victory over Lithuania. Koumas is now part of the senior squad, but it was Joel Cotterill who ensured Cymru would be in a strong position heading into this final match as he scored both goals in the 2-1 win away to Iceland last month.
Group leaders Denmark also have only one game remaining and they complete their campaign at home to Iceland on Tuesday, 15 October. Meanwhile, Iceland and Czechia both have two games remaining which will take place over the course of the next week. The only time Cymru have reached the U21 EURO play-offs was back in 2008 when Brian Flynn’s side were defeated 5-4 on aggregate by England, with a side that included current senior team captain Aaron Ramsey.
Cymru were in Pot 4 for the qualifying round draw, and Jones appreciates the importance of improving that situation moving forward. “This campaign we’ve faced really tough opposition,” he explained. “We’ve had to overcome those challenges, but hopefully all the hard work has put us in a position that come the next time our seeding will be higher and we will face weaker opposition.
“We have to improve and we have to continue to strive to qualify for major tournaments. This could be the first time for this age group to qualify. Other age groups have started to do it, and we want to maintain that consistency right throughout the association. The objective is that we’re all regularly qualifying for tournaments, and there’s nothing wrong with having that ambition because we know the benefits that can give us all as an association.”
Attendances have steadily increased at Rodney Parade during the campaign, and Jones was keen to emphasise the importance of The Red Wall coming out to support the side on Friday night. “This is an extra plea from me to get people to come and support us,” he added. “It’s a great opportunity to break records. The hard work from all our staff to to promote what we do is excellent and we want to continue that. I would like to get to the point where the U21’s come to Rodney Parade and we fill the stadium.”