Gareth Bale: Captain to lead Wales for September World Cup qualifiers

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Gareth Bale, Wales' most successful goal scorer with 33 goals from 96 games is the record.

International friendly: Finland v Wales. Date: Wednesday, September 1, 2015. Kick-off at 17:00 BST. Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales MW & DAB Radio Cymru DAB online and on BBC Radio Wales MW & DAB. Plus live score updates and text on the BBC Sport app and website.

Manager Robert Page says that Captain Gareth Bale is still committed to Wales and he hopes to lead them to the first World Cup since 1958.

Bale's future was a question with speculation that he might retire from the tournament after Euro 2020.

When asked about his future in Wales following the defeat by Denmark in round 16, the 32-year old walked off.

Bale was named in the Wales squad for the World Cup qualifiers in September, and intends to continue playing.

"As a manager and player, you want to be part a World Cup. Page stated that the boys would go down in history if qualified.

"Of course, he [Bale] will want to be a part.

"He's no different. But to do that, you can't just turn up and play in Wales. You have to do your best for your club.

"There is no argument, he ticks all the boxes."

Real Madrid forward Bale is joined by Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in the Wales squad.

Wales reached the 16th round of delayed Euro 2020 this summer thanks to their star duo, but they haven't played together since 2019.

Page is a member of the Euros team's majority so there are no uncapped players. Connor Roberts, Swansea City defender, and Ben Cabango (Covid-19 respectively) are the only two players who are not in that group.

Wales will face Finland in a friendly match in Helsinki on Wednesday 1 September, their first match since they lost to Denmark in Euro 2020's second round.

The team will then continue their World Cup qualifying campaign against Belarus in Kazan (Russia) the next Sunday, before hosting Estonia at Cardiff City Stadium Wednesday, September 8.

Wales lost the opening game against Belgium in Group E, but they responded by winning 1-0 at home over the Czech Republic.

Page's team will have to defeat Estonia and Belarus in order to qualify automatically for the 1958 World Cup.

These ambitions will be amplified by Ramsey and Bale's start at Real Madrid, and Juventus, respectively.

Bale, who spent the last campaign on loan with Tottenham Hotspur has now started Real's La Liga fixtures and scored in Sunday’s 3-3 draw at Levante.

Page stated that "Gareth has not changed who they are." "Players will tell their managers that they have different opinions about how they want to play, and what they think of you as a person and player.

"He has a manager [Carlo Ancelotti] now who has been impressed by what he did in pre-season, and who watched him through the Euros. He can only influence that.

"Thankfully, he's had positive impact on the manger and started the season well and scoring goals. This is great for us."

Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale have combined 163 caps for Wales and scored 50 goals.

Ramsey was the first match in Juventus' Serie A season opener, Sunday's 2-2 draw against Udinese. He will be hoping that this is a sign for things to come after a difficult two-year period with injuries.

Page said that Ramsey and Bailey are both in good shape when they come into the camp. This is very pleasing to me and my Welsh supporters."

"We want our players to play competitive football week after week, and that is what we expect from them."

Uncapped players are not available in Wales' squad, so there won't be a first call-up from Sorba Thomas, Huddersfield Town's winger.

Thomas, a Newham-born player, has excelled in the Championship since moving up from Boreham Wood in January.

The left-sided player at 22 years old, who is eligible for Wales through his mother from Newport has played in all four league games this season and provided two assists.

Page stated, "If anyone is eligible to play for Wales and is playing high level football and has potential, then we're going be interested."

"He's on my radar and I've been in touch."

Wales squad

Goalkeepers: Ward, A Davies, Hennessey.

Defenders: B Davies, Gunter, Rodon, Ampadu, N Williams, Lockyer, Lawrence, Norrington-Davies.

Ramsey, Allen and J Williams are midfielders. Wilson, Brooks Brooks, Morrell Smith, Wilson, Wilson, Brooks Morrell Smith, Levitt, Thomas, Colwill are also middlefielders.

Forwards: Bale, James, Moore, T Roberts, Johnson