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Aaron Ramsey Returns As Wales Name Squad For World Cup Qualifier Against Belgium And England Friendly
Wales fans have reason to smile again – skipper Aaron Ramsey is back! The 34-year-old midfield maestro has been recalled for October’s World Cup qualifier against Belgium and a friendly clash with England at Wembley.
Ramsey, who had been left out of the squad for the Kazakhstan and Canada fixtures due to a long recovery from injury, has since shaken off the rust at Mexican club Pumas UNAM. He’s started three matches and made two more appearances off the bench, proving his readiness to lead Wales once again.
And it’s not just Ramsey who returns. Leeds United duo Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon, Coventry defender Jay Dasilva, and Wrexham striker Nathan Broadhead are all back in the mix after missing September’s games. Dan James also makes the cut, despite his knee injury concerns, with Wales awaiting a final fitness report from Leeds.
The road ahead is tough but not impossible. Craig Bellamy’s side, currently third in Group J, sit just one point behind leaders North Macedonia and level with Belgium – though the Red Devils have a game in hand. For Wales to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, they’ll likely need to win all three of their remaining fixtures and hope Belgium slip up more than once.
Even if automatic qualification proves out of reach, Wales are in a strong position to secure a play-off berth thanks to their Nations League success. But first, they’ll need momentum, and what better way to build it than a showdown with England at Wembley on 9 October, followed by a crucial home qualifier against Belgium.
For Wales, the message is clear: win, fight, and believe. With Ramsey back at the helm, fans will hope the team can channel his leadership into a final push toward the World Cup dream.
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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
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